Castleford Tigers: Holmes signs two-year contract extension

Holmes’ contract was set to expire at the end of this season, but now his new deal will see him with the Tigers until at least the end of 2018.

The 23-year old has made more than 100 appearances for his hometown club and has been a permanent fixture in the starting line-up after coming through the Tigers academy.

In 2015, the second rower played in 28 games, scoring five tries, as he helped Castleford finish fifth in the Super League and he was part of the Tigers side to reach Wembley in the 2014 Challenge Cup Final.

The former Normanton Knights amateur, who has played his entire professional career with the Tigers, is excited to secure his future.

He said: “I’m really happy to have committed my future to my hometown club. I wouldn’t want to leave a club like Cas.

“There’s something very special going on here right now and I’m excited to be part of it.

“I’ve been here since my academy days and it’s just home to me. This is all I have ever known and I’m so happy here.”

“Losing Michael Shenton this early in the competition is a massive blow for us, but that’s why we have a 29-man deep squad.

“We have people here who can slot in and do the job for us.

“Obviously it is disappointing to lose our captain, but we’re still a strong team, and knowing Shenny he’ll still be heavily involved during his recovery.”

Tigers head coach Daryl Powell credited Holmes’ continued development as one of many reasons for his contract extension.

He said: “Oli Holmes is one of the toughest young players I have seen in my time as a coach.

“His defensive work is superb and I believe he will grow to be an outstanding leader at the Tigers.

“He has already shown his durability as a young player at the club and I believe if he continues to improve he will go on to play at the highest level.”

Tigers chief executive Steve Gill is delighted to tie down another home grown star: “It’s a great feeling to announce two of our young players committing their futures to the Tigers.

“Oli is the kind of player every coach needs in their team. He is durable, hard working, and has a real passion to play for the shirt.

“He’s still only young and will improve even further under Daryl Powell.”