Ex-player helps out as Castleford Tigers sign Lebanon World Cup star

A former Castleford Tigers star helped inspire the club’s latest signing.
By Peter Smith
Published 29th Sep 2023, 18:00 BST
Elie El-Zakhem, playing for Sydney Roosters, is tackled during an NRL Trial match against Melbourne Storm in February. Picture by Kelly Defina/Getty Images.Elie El-Zakhem, playing for Sydney Roosters, is tackled during an NRL Trial match against Melbourne Storm in February. Picture by Kelly Defina/Getty Images.
Elie El-Zakhem, playing for Sydney Roosters, is tackled during an NRL Trial match against Melbourne Storm in February. Picture by Kelly Defina/Getty Images.

Tigers today (Friday) confirmed the signing of Lebanon international Elie El-Zakhem from New South Wales Cup side North Sydney Bears – who are a feeder club to NRL giants Sydney Roosters – on a two-year contract.

And the 25-year-old second-rower revealed Jordan Rankin, who played for Tigers in 2019 and 2020, recommended the club to their newest addition.

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“I’ve heard from players I know over there and it's good things I’m hearing,” El-Zakhem said. “I’m good friends with Jordan Rankin and he has given me a bit of a rundown. I’ve heard a lot of good things from him.”

Elie El-Zakhem on the ball for Lebanon against Ireland in Leigh at last year's World Cup. Picture by Michael Steele/Getty Images.Elie El-Zakhem on the ball for Lebanon against Ireland in Leigh at last year's World Cup. Picture by Michael Steele/Getty Images.
Elie El-Zakhem on the ball for Lebanon against Ireland in Leigh at last year's World Cup. Picture by Michael Steele/Getty Images.

El-Zakhem featured for Lebanon at last year’s World Cup, when he played alongside Tigers’ Charbel Tasipale.

“We’re good friends so it’ll be good to have him there to help me settle in,” he said of Tasipale. “I’m pretty keen to get over to the UK.

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Castleford Tigers confirm signing of World Cup forward

“When I got the offer, I was pretty excited and tried getting it done straight away. It’ll be pretty good to showcase my talent in the Super League.”

Jordan Rankin, seen playing for Castleford in 2020, recommended the club to their new signing Elie El-Zakhem. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com .Jordan Rankin, seen playing for Castleford in 2020, recommended the club to their new signing Elie El-Zakhem. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com .
Jordan Rankin, seen playing for Castleford in 2020, recommended the club to their new signing Elie El-Zakhem. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com .
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El Zakhem has also played for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels in the NSW Cup. He made his last appearance for Bears in this year’s Grand Final defeat to the Rabbitohs.

He scored five tries in 25 games during 2023 and is expected to arrive at Castleford in November to begin pre-season training.

“I’ll be coming over alone so I’m a bit anxious , but I’m excited at the same time to get started,” he added.

Earlier today Tigers announced the signing of another World Cup second-rower Nixon Butt, who played for Papua New Guinea at the 2022 World Cup.

Related topics:Castleford TigersTigersLebanonNRL