Castleford Tigers boss hails departing duo and insists squad will be smaller but stronger for 2021 Super League season

Powell confirmed Tigers will have a smaller squad in 2021, but insisted that is offset by the emergence of youngsters including Jacques O’Neill, Tyla Hepi, Brad Martin, Lewis Peachey and Bailey Hodgson this year.

“Even though the numbers in our squad will be a little bit less next year, I think the quality will actually be improved, depth-wise, because of what these young guys have done,” Powell said.

Full-back Niall Evalds has been signed from Salford Red Devils and former Toronto Wolfpack full-back/half-back Gareth O’Brien is set to stay on following his loan spell, but Powell admitted: “We will wait and see on the rest, it is a really difficult situation from a financial perspective.”

Of the players leaving, Powell said: “Junior has been a phenomenal servant to the club and been fantastic during his time at Castleford.

“He is a top-quality fella and towards the back end, when he got over the terrible injury he had, he has been pretty strong.

“Matt Cook has been with us a long time and been great. He as been fantastic both on and off the field.

“There’s a couple of others leaving as well, but clubs will be wanting to make announcements on them.”

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