A year to establish myself: Jack Broadbent aiming to nail down starting spot at Castleford

Josh McAllister 13 Jan 2023 2:20 PM

Jack Broadbent Castleford Tigers SWpix — Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

New recruit Jack Broadbent has set his sights on a starting position at Castleford for the upcoming Super League season following a frustrating 2022 campaign.

Broadbent, 22, made the off-season switch from Leeds on a two-year contract.

He made 22 appearances for the Rhinos, and found himself on loan at Featherstone after falling down the pecking order under Rohan Smith last year at Headingley Stadium.

The outside-back is now aiming to establish himself as a Super League regular under new coach Lee Radford in 2023, with competition from team-mates Jake Mamo, Mahe Fonua and Jordan Turner in the centres.

And it’s an exciting move for the youngster, who labelled 2022 as a “frustrating” one, having spent the latter part of the season in the Championship.

“I probably wasn’t concentrating 100% because I signed here (at Castleford) pretty early,” Broadbent told Love Rugby League.

“In terms of nailing down a position and playing week in, week out, I’m excited for that this year.

“It was a good move last year for me to go to Featherstone and to get that consistent rugby. I learned a lot from Brian McDermott and I think he was a quality coach and right up there.

“Personally, I was disappointed with the way it ended. Obviously I would have loved to have played more at Leeds, but that’s rugby.

“I was there since I was 15. I made some friends for life and people I’ll still stay in touch with. Seven years is a long time.

“In terms of conversations with Rohan Smith, it was already done when he arrived. That was just as it was. I’ve got some really good friends there and hold the club in high regards and I have memories for life.”

Jack Broadbent: I’m learning every day

Radford recently arrived back in England to continue pre-season following a trip to Samoa with the international team following their successful World Cup. And Broadbent believes the coaching staff containing Radford, Andy Last and newly-appointed Scott Murrell complement each other, aiming for success as the side fell agonisingly short of the play-offs in 2022.

“Radders has been away but the work he did before he went; he put in place what he wanted and it’ll be good to have him back,” Broadbent said.

“I’m enjoying it. We’re getting into more rugby stuff now, it’s getting to the enjoyable bit.

“All the coaching staff here are good. Andy Last, Lee Radford and we’ve just got Scott Murrell in. I think they are three really big characters and they’re bringing some great rugby knowledge and some ideas that we want to put into place this year.

“I’m really getting behind that and I’m liking the style of rugby that they want to play and I’m learning every day under them three.”

“I’m pushing for a starting spot in the team” – Jack Broadbent

Castleford are yet to confirm their 2023 squad numbers, with Broadbent previously wearing shirt numbers 34, 27 and 23 respectively at Leeds during his time with the first-team.

However, the talented youngster wants to cement his own place during his time at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.

“I’m pushing for a starting spot in the team,” Broadbent stated.

“I’m 22 and I don’t feel like one of those young players coming through anymore. I feel like this could be a year to establish myself and really kick on.

“I want to aim for that starting centre spot and that’s what I’m going to go for.”