Castleford and Huddersfield confirm swap deal

Castleford and Huddersfield have confirmed a swap deal that will see Joe Wardle join the Giants and Jordan Rankin go to the Tigers, as revealed exclusively by Love Rugby League.

The swap is a loan deal between both parties, but with interest from both clubs to make this a permanent move sooner rather than later.

Rankin, 27, is a versatile player who has previously played for Gold Coast Titans, Wests Tigers and Hull FC. He has played over 130 first-team games.

On signing Rankin, Castleford director of rugby Jon Wells said: “Jordan is a player that I have admired for a few years now and we’re delighted to welcome him to the Tigers.

“He’s a very experienced, high quality player who we think will be a great fit at the club. He is a fantastic competitor who can provide options in a number of positions and further strengthens our backline, so we can’t wait for him to get started with us.

“I would like to place on record our thanks to Huddersfield and Richard Thewlis for working with us on this and in particular Joe Wardle and his manager Iestyn Harris for their professionalism in what has been an uncertain time for Joe. We wish Joe all the very best in this next stage of his career.”

Wardle will return to the Giants after making 141 appearances between 2011 and 2016. He is a Scotland international who can back in the back-row or at centre.

Huddersfield chief executive Richard Thewlis commented: “This move came about very quickly within the last 24 hours and we’ll be delighted to welcome Joe back.

“He will fly back from camp over the weekend and we’ll see him for training Monday morning with the squad.

“Simon [Woolford] was looking for back-row and centre competition and Joe clearly brings this to us and of course has the chance to play in Super League alongside his brother [Jake].”