Foster lands long-term deal

Posted: Wednesday 20th June 2018 - 4:45 PM

Castleford Tigers are delighted to confirm a contract extension for in form second row/centre Alex Foster.



Foster, who was already under contract for 2019, has put pen to paper on a new 3.5 year deal that will keep him with the Tigers until at least the end of the 2021 season.



Foster, sponsored by 5 Star Commercial Cleaning Services, made his Super League debut in 2013 for Leeds Rhinos before moving on loan to London Broncos. The second row forward played regularly for the Broncos as he gained valuable Super League experience. In 2015, Foster spent the season on loan at the Tigers local rivals, Featherstone Rovers, before moving permanently to London for the 2016 season.



The former Leeds Rhinos youngster joined the Tigers on trial at the beginning of the 2017 season. In June 2017 Foster earned himself a contract extension until the end of the 2019 season but his impressive form over the past year has seen the 24 year old rise from a fringe player to one of the most consistent Tigers performers of the 2018 season, already scoring 5 tries in 15 Super League appearances.



Alex, who started his youth rugby with Wetherby Bulldogs, is delighted to call Castleford his home after recently moving into the area, and his new contract gives him the perfect opportunity to continue to grow within the Castleford Tigers environment: “I’m made up to get this new deal over the line, it’s taken a little bit of time to get it all sorted as we were discussing the number of years that the contract was going to be but I’m pleased to have penned a new three and a half year deal. The decision was never in any doubt, I’ve got nothing but absolute gratitude for the club for what they have done for my career. This is the perfect place for me to be right now!"



Tigers head coach Daryl Powell said: “I am absolutely delighted that Alex Foster has signed a contract extension to keep him at the club for the next three years. Since he arrived at the Tigers his attitude has been outstanding. He is one of the first names on my team sheet due to his work rate, toughness and defensive ability. Alongside this his versatility to play front row, back row and centre is very rare. He has been a great acquisition for us and I’m confident he will continue to get better over the period of his contract.”



Speaking today Tigers director of rugby Jon Wells said: “I am particularly pleased to be talking about what is a key contract signing for the Tigers and for Alex. He has been nothing short of sensational for us this season and his development from a fringe member of our squad to a nailed-on starting player over the course of the last two seasons is testament to Alex’s qualities as a person as much as a rugby player.



“We feel that he will only continue to improve in our system and we look forward to what the next three and a half years brings. I would like to make particular note of the way that Alex and his agent, Craig Harrison, have conducted themselves throughout the negotiations and all parties agree that this is a significant statement by the club and the player in what could yet prove to be Castleford’s best season to date.”



Click here to watch Alex Foster talk exclusively to Tigers TV.



The Tigers are back in action on Friday night taking on Wigan Warriors at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, with two crucial points up for grabs as both teams look to climb the Super League ladder ahead of the Super 8’s split. Tickets are available online here and in store now.



*Photograph courtesy of SWPix