Cheyse Blair to leave Castleford at the end of the season
Castleford coach Lee Radford has confirmed that forward Cheyse Blair will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old back-rower has made more than 50 appearances for the Tigers since joining the club midway through the 2019 campaign.
Radford confirmed to Love Rugby League in his post-match press conference after their 30-14 defeat to Salford on Friday night that Blair will depart when his contract expires at the end of the year.
Blair made almost 100 appearances in the NRL for Melbourne Storm, Manly Sea Eagles and Parramatta Eels before his move to England.
As well as Blair, Castleford have 14 players out of contract at the end of the season although their futures have yet to be confirmed.
Jake Trueman, Greg Eden, Derrell Olpherts, Danny Richardson, James Clare, Sosaia Feki and George Griffin headline the list.
Youngsters Sam Hall, Lewis Peachey, Cain Robb and Brad Martin are also off-contract.
Kenny Edwards is currently on loan from Huddersfield whilst Mahe Fonua has options in his contract for 2023 and 2024.
FULL LIST: Every Super League player out of contract at end of 2022
Lee Radford: Sixth place is a true reflection
The Castleford coach says they need to get more out of their players if they are going to climb up the table in the second half of the season.
He added: “We finished seventh last year and we are sat in sixth now and that is a reflection of where we are.
“Your best is at the top and your worst is at the bottom and it looks like that, that hasn’t changed much. Where we are is a true reflection of where we are.
“We need to try and squeeze the best out of them in the latter stages of their careers, whoever it is.
“We’ve got to try and fix that otherwise you are a mid-table player at a mid-table club. That is the challenge for me as a coach and us as a club.”
Castleford have a week off next week due to the Challenge Cup final. Next up for the Tigers is a clash against Wigan in a fortnight’s time at the Jungle.
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