Castleford Tigers captain ‘unlikely’ to play again this season; Kenny Edwards early release addressed by head coach 

Castleford Tigers head coach Andy Last has confirmed that captain Paul McShane is unlikely to play again this season, plus the latest on Kenny Edwards. 

The 33-year-old, who won the Man of Steel award in 2020, suffered a fractured forearm earlier in June, forced from the field against Salford Red Devils in the 42-10 defeat.

It was initially thought he would miss up to eight weeks of action, having undergone surgery on the injury.

However, coach Last has confirmed that it is unlikely that the hooker will see any more action in the 2023 Super League campaign.

“It’s highly unlikely that he’ll play again this year,” Last told media on Thursday.

“It’s tough for Macca. It’ll be unlikely that he’ll play for us [again] this season.

“The nature of the injury, obviously a fairly significant one to the forearm. He’s doing everything he can, but it’s unlikely that he’ll play.

“If we get him back for a couple games at the end of the season, then obviously it’s a bonus. But it’s looking unlikely.”

Castleford confirmed the arrival of Blake Austin on loan for the remainder of the season from Leeds Rhinos on Thursday morning, although he is unavailable for Friday’s home clash against Huddersfield Giants.

The 32-year-old is likely to have played his final game for the Headingley Stadium outfit, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Riley Dean was also recalled from his loan spell with Castleford by parent club Warrington Wolves earlier this week.

Kenny Edwards early release addressed

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old coach addressed the story linking back-rower Kenny Edwards to an early exit from the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.

Examiner Live reported earlier this week that Edwards, 33, could be set to leave the club at the end of the season, having believed to have requested a release from his contract.

The former Huddersfield and Catalans forward had only signed a new three-year deal in June 2022 through until the end of 2025.

Edwards has missed just one Super League fixture for the Tigers this year, with 19 appearances and two tries.

“Kenny is with us until the end of the season. Those discussions are ongoing, but he’s fully committed with regards to his contract for the next couple of years,” Last explained.

“At the moment, he’s fully committed to fulfilling his contract obligations here at Castleford Tigers.”

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