Castleford Tigers make double signing as ex-Leeds Rhinos man returns

Former Leeds Rhinos centre/second-rower Alex Foster has joined Castleford for a second spell, from Newcastle Thunder and Tigers have also recruited Greek International prop Billy Tsikrikas, who has NRL experience with Canterbury Bulldogs. Both players are on loan until the end of this season.

Foster began his career with Rhinos and also played for London Broncos and Featherstone Rovers before signing for Tigers in 2017.

His 62 appearances with Castleford included the 2017 Grand Final defeat by Leeds - when he scored their only try - and the Challenge Cup final loss to St Helens four years later.

The 29-year-old joined Newcastle at the end of 2021 and described returning to the club and Super League as a “fantastic opportunity”.

Foster said: “I have a lot of special memories with everyone involved with the club so it’s great to be able to come back and be a part of the Tigers family.

“I’ll always be thankful for Cas giving me the opportunity the first time around. I feel privileged and honoured to be here for a second time and [will] give my all for this great club.”

Tigers coach Andy Last hailed Foster as “a player with good experience of Super League and Castleford Tigers, [who] represented this club with great distinction in his first stint here”.

He said: “We needed someone who is versatile and competitive, whether that be playing in the second-row, centre or middle and Fozzy fitted that remit perfectly.

“He’s a team-first player and a strong character, which are qualities I was looking for as we attack the latter stages of the season.”

Tsikrikas, 28, played 17 times for Penrith Panthers’ New South Wales Cup side from 2019-2021 and made two NRL appearances after joining Bulldogs last year.

He has featured 15 times for Bulldogs’ second string this season and said: “I’m very excited to be given an opportunity with the Tigers and to get to experience Super League.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity and challenges ahead and to do my part in finishing the season strongly.”

Last said: “Billy has been playing for the Bulldogs’ New South Wales Cup team and playing big minutes due to the big engine he has

“I spoke with Mark O’Meley - a former front-rower who I coached and has been coaching Billy - who spoke highly of him regards his attitude and his effort areas during games.

“Billy has an opportunity to show us what he is capable of during these latter stages of the season.”