CHRIS CHESTER has revealed that he tried to sign new Castleford Tigers recruit, Blake Taaffe, when he was at Leigh Leopards.

Currently interim coach until Ryan Carr takes over the reins ahead of the 2026 Super League season, Chester is combining that role with his assigned position of director of rugby.

In recent weeks, the Tigers have confirmed a number of signings including NRL flyers Semi Valemei and Mikaele Ravalawa.

But Taaffe is the name that was announced earlier this week – and Chester is a massive fan.

“He’s a player that I looked at when I was at Leigh, he’s a really good athletic fullback with plenty of speed to burn,” Chester said.

“He is just as comfortable in the halves as he is at fullback and he has played with Tex Hoy as well.

“He played for New South Wales’ under-20s at halfback and he has something that we lack here. He is quick off the mark and I’ve had really good conversations with him about footy.

“He’s very well spoken and one that will come over and light up Super League.

“Blake is here for the long-term and I think it’s important that the signings we are bringing in will be here for the long-term.

“He is one of many we will announce over the coming weeks and I’m delighted we have been able to bring in someone of his calibre.

“I’m really positive that we as a club can attract those types of players.”

Chester revealed that he leans on a key contact in Australia to bring in these types of players – Warrick (or Wok) Wright of Black Money Enterprises.

“I’ve got quite a lt of contacts in Australia and there’s a guy I speak to regularly called Wok Wright.

“He played a big part in helping me bring Albert Kelly and Davey Armstrong over. Wok is a person I trust a hell of a lot, he’s been great to me over the years in bringing players here.

“I get a lot of information from him as well as other overseas coaches. There is a lot of work that goes into to get to know the person first and foremost to find out if he’s a good fella and a good trainer.”