Callum McLelland explains reasons for Castleford return

Correspondent
Callum McLelland in action for Leeds

Callum McLelland in action for Leeds

McLelland originally joined the Tigers from local amateur team Lock Lane at the age of 14 and played for England at youth and academy level before embarking on a stint in rugby union in 2017.He won eight caps for Scotland Under-20s before returning to league with Leeds and made his Super League debut against Castleford in 2019. He has won two caps for Scotland in rugby league.

Now, aged 22 and after four seasons at Headingley, McLelland has re-joined his hometown club on a two-year contract, with an option for a further two years.

He said: “I’m ecstatic. This is something that I’ve been speaking about for quite a long time – how I’d always like to come back – and it’s happened sooner than I would have thought but I’m glad for it.

“I played two minutes down the road at Lock Lane, always had a season ticket from being the age of about eight, stood in the Wheldon Road end singing all the songs.

“I always dreamed of playing for Cas and last time I was here I, unfortunately, didn’t end up playing a Super League game but now I’m hoping to kick on and play her for the next couple of years.”

Castleford coach delighted with Callum McLelland signing

McLelland joins his Leeds team-mate Alex Sutcliffe at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle and is one of seven fresh faces for new coach Lee Radford.

Radford said: “I’m delighted to welcome Callum back to the Tigers. He’s a young, energetic half-back who sadly this year has suffered a couple of injury setbacks.

“Alongside Danny Richardson, Gareth O’Brien, and Jake Trueman, he adds further competition to our halves.

“At just 22 as well I’m thrilled to get a signing of his quality over the line and he is a signing we have made with the future also in mind. I’m looking forward to coaching Callum.”