Castleford Tigers confirm new vice-captain for 2023

Castleford Tigers have confirmed that Alex Mellor will step up to vice-captain for their 2023 Super League campaign, with Paul McShane continuing as skipper.

Mellor, 28, linked up with the club in June 2022 from Leeds and has made an immediate impact since making the switch. He went on to make 11 appearances for the Tigers, including in the final day heartbreak against Leeds, missing out on a play-off spot.

The back-rower has made 115 Super League appearances to date, having started his career with Bradford.

Mellor on vice-captain role

On his appointment, Mellor said: “It feels really good. I am really honoured and grateful to get it. It’s not something I initially expected at the start of the year but it’s something that I am really looking forward to grabbing with both hands.

“One morning he (Lee Radford) pulled me into his office. I didn’t know what it was about because you always think you are in trouble when that happens, but he told me that I was going to be the vice-captain for the year, so it was nice news to receive.

“The lads’ reaction was really good, and they were buzzing for me. Getting the recognition of your teammates is massive and it makes you feel good when it comes from them.

“It’s a real family sort of club because everyone is really close, and you feel like you can approach everyone. We’re all on the same level because we’re switched on when we need to be and when you are off the field everyone can have a laugh, so it’s suited me down to the ground.

“Radders helped make that transition a smooth one for me by really welcoming me. The lads were exactly the same because you play one game with them, and you feel like you know them straight away.”

Paul McShane to continue as Castleford Tigers captain

McShane, 33, enters his ninth season in Cas colours and will continue his role as captain. He is only three matches away from reaching 200 appearances for the club.

“I’m really proud and really happy,” McShane said.

“I love playing for Cas so to be honoured with the captaincy, it’s great. I love leading the lads out every week, but we’ve got plenty of blokes out on the field who have a lot of experience who also help out.”

On being joined by Mellor in the leadership group, the hooker continued: “Mels came in halfway through the season but from his first week he’s shown he trains the way he plays, and he puts it all out there on the training field, that’s the example you want to set.

“He comes from a good pedigree of playing for some good clubs with big players around him and you can see that by how he goes about things.”

Head coach Lee Radford explained his decision behind the appointments. He added: “It’s Macca’s second year as captain now and I know from my own experience the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. I believe you’re definitely better in that second year with the experience behind you.

“Mellor has a lot of leadership qualities and goes about his business the right way. We are hopeful that he can progress at the club in terms of his game and as a person with his leadership skills as well.” 

Castleford Tigers open their 2023 campaign with a trip to the MKM Stadium to face Hull on the Sunday.

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