Castleford confirm Daniel Smith exit with Championship move made permanent 

Castleford Tigers forward Daniel Smith has joined Championship outfit Featherstone on a permanent deal with immediate effect. 

The 30-year-old was off-contract at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle at the end of the season.

Smith joined his hometown club ahead of the 2019 season after spells with the likes of Leeds, Wakefield and Huddersfield.

He went on to make 75 appearances for the club, scoring five tries.

Castleford added in a statement: “Everyone involved with the Tigers would like to thank Daniel for his commitment to the Club and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Daniel Smith on permanent move

Smith had joined Sean Long’s Featherstone earlier this month on an initial loan period from Castleford, and has now set his sights on helping the side reach Super League for the 2024 campaign.

The forward has featured in wins over Sheffield and Widnes in the Championship, with Featherstone remaining unbeaten so far in 2023 to sit at the top of the table.

“I’ve really enjoyed the environment here at Featherstone, I’m really excited for the rest of the season and to play my part in getting this club into Super League,” Smith said.

“Playing in front of the Fev fans has been superb and I can’t wait to get out there again.”

Head coach Long added: “Another great coup for us, an experienced Super League player who made a real impact in his two week loan period.  

“He’s fitted into our systems really well, he’s skilful, smart and a hard worker.  

“He’s a perfect for for our brand of rugby.”

James Ford arrives at Featherstone

Featherstone also recently announced the arrival of James Ford from Wakefield as the club’s new director of rugby.

Former York boss Ford had linked up with the Super League side as assistant coach under Mark Applegarth ahead of the 2023 season.

Ford, 40, will now support Featherstone head coach Long to ‘prioritise on-field coaching and to support the club’s senior management with the administration and management of the club’s rugby operations.’

On his new appointment, ex-Featherstone player Ford commented: “I’m so excited to take up this unique challenge.

“Personally, I was attracted to this challenge of working with Featherstone in a new role as everything seems to be progressing very well on and off the field.

“I understand the ambitions of the board and I want to support Sean Long and the players in adding value to what is already a very strong team.

“I want to support Sean and the whole club in driving forward our standards and paying attention to every detail of preparing us for a very bright future.”

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