Castleford Tigers: Tigers tie talented teen to pro' terms

McLelland – 17 next month – has been in Tigers’ scholarship for two years after joining them from local amateur side Lock Lane. Head of youth Pete Riding described himself as being “over the moon” with the stand-off’s decision to pledge his future to Tigers. He said: “This signing is a real shot in the arm for us and a real statement of intent in terms of the progress we are making as a club.

“It is safe to say Callum had other tempting offers elsewhere, but he chose to commit his future to us which typifies just how much of a well rounded, grounded and focused young man he is.”

McLelland, who recently returned from Australia after an exchange trip with his school Castleford Academy, said: “I’ve progressed so well over the last two years here and everyone around the club has helped me on and off the field.

“I’ve grown up as a Cas fan and it’s great to sign for my hometown club.

“I had offers from elsewhere, but the culture here at Cas made me want to stay.

“I’m looking forward to stepping up into the under-19s set-up.

“And I’ll be working hard and aiming to push my way towards my first-team debut.”