Castleford Tigers: Cas complete the shock re-signing of ex-Man of Steel Chase

The 30-year-old ex-England stand-off quit rugby league in May, when he was released by Leigh Centurions, and subsequently talked of his battle with depression.

However, New Zealand-born Chase enjoyed his happiest times during his five years at Castleford, where he scored 47 tries in 129 appearances, was crowned 2011 Man of Steel and earned England recognition before Salford Red Devils paid around £115,000 for him two years later.

“I’ve been thinking about rugby a lot while I’ve been away from the game,” he said, having signed until the end of the season with the West Yorkshire club having an option to extend. “And I’ve been thinking about my Cas days as those were the times when I was really happy.

“When the opportunity came up to come back to this great club I took it with both hands’ I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away from me.

“It’s like coming back home for me, I love the people here.

“This move is purely about the badge and the way it made me feel when I played for it.

“I feel so blessed to be here and I thank God and everyone at this great club for giving me a second chance at Castleford Tigers.”

Head coach Daryl Powell has been in need of a stand-off after Kiwi Benny Roberts was ruled out last month for the rest of the season due to a foot injury.

Chase will train for the first time on Monday and could ‘debut’ in the home game against Catalans Dragons next Sunday.

Powell, who worked with the player previously, said: “I am really pleased to be able to add to our squad at such a crucial stage in the season.

“Rangi is a high-quality player who knows so much about Castleford Tigers and what it means to play for this club. It’s a great opportunity for Rangi to make a big impact again in Super League and I look forward to welcoming Rangi to the club and seeing him pull on the famous shirt yet again.”