Frankie Mariano signs new contract at Castleford Tigers

Castleford Tigers have announced that Frankie Mariano has signed a two-year contract extension.

The versatile second row joined the Tigers ahead of the current First Utility Super League season from Wakefield Wildcats and his new deal will see him remain at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle until the end of 2016.

Mariano, 27, has featured in every Tigers game in Super League and the Tetley’s Challenge Cup this campaign, scoring three tries.

“I feel really comfortable,” Mariano explained. “I’ve never felt as comfortable as I do now in this team which is a big factor and it’s showing in my game.

“I wanted to play in every game, but it’s not something I expected with being in a brand new side and having to work my way in.

“Obviously I’ve done something right for Daryl Powell to keep playing me and this is exactly what I needed and wanted. Hopefully I can carry on, keep progressing and keep getting better.

“I feel that I have improved every week as I get a better understanding of the team and how we’re playing. We’ve had a few lapses, but we know where we have gone wrong which is the main thing.

“The team has gelled since day one of training and my style of playing fits with everybody else’s and we’re working well as a team. I feel like I’m progressing week in, week out, but I know that I’ve got a lot more to come.”

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