Castleford Tigers news: double signing as ex-Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors man makes immediate move
Castleford Tigers have signed two players on long-term deals, including a Leeds Rhinos academy product from Wigan Warriors.
Prop Tyler Dupree and utility-back Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e have both joined Tigers on a contract until the end of 2029. Dupree, 26, had been on loan at Toulouse Olympique from Wigan while 23-year-old Laulu-Togaga’e was previously with Catalans Dragons.
Dupree began his career in Rhinos’ academy and had spells with Oldham, Widnes Vikings and Salford Red Devils before joining Wigan midway through the 2023 campaign as part of a deal which took Brad Singleton, now at Tigers, the other way. He made his England debut the same year and was a Grand Final winner in 2024.
“The move to Cas came about pretty quick, to be honest,” Dupree said. “It was an opportunity that felt right for me at this stage of my career and once I spoke to the staff and understood the direction the club’s heading in, it was an easy decision.
“What excites me most is the real ambition the club holds and the strong identity and history it has. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, contributing to the team, and hopefully achieving something special here.”
Tigers director of rugby Chris Chester said: “Tyler competes hard in everything he does. He is a winner and gives us some much needed power up front in the pack. He has represented his country and we are hoping he achieves that again while playing at the Castleford Tigers.”
Laulu-Togaga’e - whose father Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e had a brief spell at Castleford - can play anywhere in the backs. He has spent most of his career in the lower divisions, but had a previous Super League spell with Hull KR and scored three tries in seven games for Catalans this year.
He said: “I’m really excited to be joining Cas. It’s great to be back home and closer to my family and following in my dad’s footsteps playing for this club. I just want to bring energy and hard work in everything I do. I’ll always give 100 per cent and hopefully add something to the group, both on and off the field.”
Chester said: “Phoenix is a quality young player who became available late last week. He can play in a number of positions in the back line and we will use him primarily at full-back to cover the loss of Blake Taaffe [who has a season-ending knee injury]. He’s quick, agile and has great footwork at the line.”