CASTLEFORD TIGERS interim head coach Chris Chester has revealed that there is still time to impress for those off-contract stars to earn a new deal at the Super League club.

With just five games remaining of the regular season, the Tigers are looking towards 2026 with the appointment of Ryan Carr as their new boss from next season onwards.

A number of Castleford players will also be moving on at the end of the season, but Chester believes there is still a lot to play for.

“There are players here that will be here next season and they need to impress,” Chester said.

“There are players coming off-contract that decisions haven’t been made on yet so you just want 17 guys out there showing what a connected team we are.

“It’s up to these guys to really put their hand up this week. We’ve drawn a line under the sand and had pretty honest conversations.

“This week is another week and another opportunity and I expect the players to take it with both hands.”

Castleford face Catalans Dragons in Perpignan on Saturday and Chester said: “The 17 will look miles different.

“Sam Wood and Joe Westerman are missing and we’ve got a couple of players carrying knocks.

“Tex Hoy has an injury. He came back from a calf injury and couldn’t even do the team run. We had trained all week with Tex and got plenty of load into him.

“He came in for the team run and couldn’t even warm up. It just seems like two steps forward and three back with some players.

“Westy had an issue with his calf and his knee. Sam Wood has a wrist issue. We are hopeful Tex will return next week and potentially Zac Cini and Jason Qareqare.

“We will be taking 19 with us to France.”

There will, however, be a debut for young winger Alfie Lindsey who recently starred for Yorkshire in their Academy Origin win over Lancashire.

“Alfie Lindsey will get a shot this week. We presented him with his shirt this morning and he had some nice messages from the family,” said Chester.

“Alfie has got a really strong carry and fights like any teenager would do. I’m looking forward to seeing how he applies himself.”