Chase signs new Tigers deal

Rangi Chase, the Castleford Tigers half-back, has signed a new four-year deal with the club meaning he will stay in West Yorkshire until 2013.

The 23-year-old New Zealander has scored 14 tries this season, his debut year in the Super League competition, and had alerted several rivals to his potential availability with his contract ending at the end of next year.

However, the youngster – an ever-present in 2009 – has now ended that speculation by signing the extension to his existing deal.

Both the Tigers’ coach, Terry Matterson, and CEO Richard Wright insisted that Chase’s signature was integral to the Tigers going forward.

“This is a major coup for the club, especially in tying Rangi to the club for another four years,” said Matterson.

“He has been in outstanding form this season and is possibly the form player in the competition, and certainly one of the most exciting.

“Rangi covers three positions for us and has certainly come a long way this season, and at only 23 we feel that that there is even more to come from him.”

Wright added: “Negotiations with Rangi have taken quite some time and there has been pressure from other clubs, which was inevitable, but he was a priority for us.

“He has a big part to play in our future and is another quality young player in a key position who is committed to taking us to some success in the next few years.”

Chase also admitted his delight at signing the new deal.

“I’m very happy to have agreed this deal and really pleased to be staying at the Tigers. The club is heading in the right direction and I have enjoyed my first season at the club. Personally I’m very happy here and I’m looking to forward to some success with Castleford.”