Castleford Tigers news: rookie hooker makes Championship loan move
A Castleford Tigers youngster has moved into the second-tier on loan until the end of this season.
Twenty-year-old hooker Alfie Horwell will spend the rest of 2026 with Newcastle Thunder who are second in the Betfred Championship, behind runaway leaders London Broncos. Horwell has yet to make his Tigers debut, but featured four times for Thunder on a similar arrangement last season when they finished bottom of League One, losing all 18 fixtures.
Tigers say the deal will allow Horwell to “gain some valuable game time” in the Championship. A statement from the north east club, who are coached by Castleford legend Graham Steadman, added: “The talented youngster joins Thunder for the remainder of the campaign as he continues his development, adding further quality and competition to the squad. Everyone at Newcastle Thunder is excited to welcome Alfie to the club and looks forward to seeing him in action in Thunder colours throughout the remainder of the season.”