Coach hails off-season recruit who has made “exceptional” start at Castleford

Castleford interim coach Andy Last says he has been really impressed by the ‘exceptional’ start that Jack Broadbent has made to life with the Tigers.

Versatile back Broadbent has been an ever-present so far for Castleford since arriving from neighbours Leeds on a two-year deal in the off-season.

The 22-year-old has already shown his utility value to the Tigers, with him being comfortable in a number of roles, including centre, full-back and most recently, half-back.

“He’s been exceptional,” Last said. “He came with a good reputation and good experience at Leeds.

“He played to a high level at Leeds but wanted that challenge and that assurance that he was going to be in the 17 week in, week out, and his performances have warranted him being in the 17 week in, week out.

“We’re at the point now where we have to find a spot for him, whether that’s playing at half-back, full-back, centre, wing, wherever that may be.

“He is someone who can create something out of nothing and that was evident against Catalans.

“He has got that instinct to scoring a try which he showcased in that first try he scored over there and then the second try was an exceptional one which not many players in the Castleford shirt would have been able to score – great footwork, good speed and acceleration.

“He’s a really dangerous player who has been exceptional for us this season.”

Was it a surprise that Leeds let Jack Broadbent leave?

The Batley-born back came through the ranks at Leeds, scoring nine tries in 22 first team appearances for the club. He also enjoyed loan spells in the Championship with hometown club Batley and Featherstone.

When asked if he was surprised Leeds let Broadbent go, Last replied: “It is difficult to comment on why other coaches make decisions like they do.

“Jack is a good kid, but may not have fitted Rohan’s (Smith) style or profile of player. When you look at their profile of player in terms of their outside backs, Derrell Olpherts is 6ft 1in and 100kg and carries really well out of back field, (David) Fusitu’a is the same and (Nene) Macdonald is the same.

“They’ve got some big, strong outside-backs and the player who is probably similar in terms of profile to Jack Broadbent is Harry Newman so I don’t think there is any shame in Jack moving away from Leeds for an opportunity to play at Castleford when you look at the strike and strength that Rohan already had at his disposal and what he brought in. It’s difficult to comment on the reasons why they may have let him go.”

Next up for Castleford is a trip to Salford in Thursday night’s televised Super League clash.

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