Castleford captain Michael Shenton to retire at end of season

Castleford captain Michael Shenton will retire from rugby league at the end of the season.

Shenton, 35, came through the club’s academy and has made more than 300 appearances, either side of a two-year stint at St Helens.

He was named in the Super League Dream Team on three occasions and earned 10 England caps, as well as being part of the Castleford side that won the 2017 League Leaders’ Shield.

Coach Daryl Powell said: “Michael Shenton is just class. Class as a bloke, as a family man, as a player, and as a leader.

“I think that is the word I would use for him, everything about him is first class since I have been at Castleford.

“He has played international football and has been right at the top of his game when he has been here at Castleford. He deserves all the accolades that he will get at the end of the year because he has been absolutely phenomenal for the Tigers.”

Shenton helped Castleford earn promotion to Super League in both 2005 and 2007, and played at Wembley in the 2014 Challenge Cup final defeat to Leeds.

He said: “I’ve had some incredible experiences in the game, but also some tough times too.

“I can tell you, and so can every other player that has represented the Tigers, Cas can be a crazy place to play. Some of the things that have happened over the years are insane, but at the same time, it’s a place where players love to play.

“Our ground creates the best atmosphere in the league, mainly because our supporters are so passionate. The Club is at the heart of our local communities and means so much to them.

“It’s been incredibly special to represent the Club for such a long time, and it’s with great sadness that my time playing for Cas is coming to an end.

“I would just like to say thank you to all our supporters for making my sixteen years at Cas so very special. It’s been an honour to play for Castleford Tigers for so long and I know I’m going to miss it an incredible amount.”