Liam Watts signs long-term deal at Castleford

Castleford prop Liam Watts has signed a new long-term contract, keeping him with the Tigers until the end of 2023.

Watts, 28, signed for the club from Hull last season and has turned down interest from the NRL to pen a three-year contract extension.

He said: “It’s been in the pipeline for a couple of months now. When I originally signed after leaving Hull, I always knew that I wanted to settle back down and see out the rest of my career here.

“I’m dedicated to the club and with the season that I’ve been having so far it just fits in well and I’m really glad that it’s all sorted. I’m a Cas lad and I’m playing for Castleford again.

“Coming here I think I’ve got rid of the reputation I had at Hull, I’ve settled down and I’m not as erratic. That’s probably got me into the England squad and I’ve just got to keep playing well for the rest of the year to keep my place in that.

“I feel like everything has come together for me personally, I know where I’m going to be for the next four years and I’m really happy.”

Watts was a junior at Featherstone Lions before coming through the ranks at Hull KR, making 64 appearances, as well as having a loan spell at Gateshead.

He moved on to Hull FC, and made 152 appearances for them, as well as appearing on loan for Doncaster.

Head coach Daryl Powell added: “Liam‘s contract extension is great news for the club. He has been a revelation this season in our front row, his work rate has been fantastic and his leadership has grown throughout the season.

“He is now regarded, if he wasn’t before, as one of the premier front rowers in the Super League competition and I’m confident he will continue to get better in the coming seasons at Castleford.

“He is having one of his best ever seasons which on current form will see him travel with the Great Britain squad this winter.”