Castleford make loan signing from fellow Super League club

Castleford have signed forward Luis Johnson from fellow Super League club Hull KR on a season-long loan deal.

The 24-year-old will join the Tigers for the rest of the season on loan. However, Hull KR have a recall option after two weeks, only to be brought back to Craven Park should the Robins have ‘significant’ injury problems.

Johnson came through the scholarship and academy at Castleford before moving to Warrington on a three-year deal in 2018.

The back-rower made nine first team appearances for the Wolves. He moved to Hull KR ahead of the 2021 campaign, where he has since played 28 games.

Johnson said: “It’s probably going to be a weird feeling. I was at Cas when I was 15 so it’s been eight or nine years. It will be good to back and getting some games under my belt.

“I’m looking forward to be working with players like Paul McShane and Adam Milner and some old team-mates. I’ve played with Muizz Mustapha and Albert Vete so will be good to be back with them.

“There’s a few others, I was with Alex Sutcliffe all the way through amateur rugby and I did the academy with Callum McLelland so there’s even more faces that I know so it should be an easy transition.

“Castleford fans can expect loads of energy and I bring enthusiasm. Hopefully we can get some more wins under the belt and get rolling through the season.”

Andy Last delighted to welcome Luis Johnson back to Castleford

Johnson has also spent time on loan with Rochdale, Widnes and Dewsbury whilst in the first teams at Warrington and Hull KR.

Castleford’s interim head coach Andy Last said: “He’ll bring a bit of youthful exuberance I think. He’s someone we’ve identified as fitting that age profile that we’re looking at. Someone younger, fresher bodies, and a real desire to make their mark in Super League.

“He’s played a fair number of games already, and he’s only 24 years of age.

“He’s familiar with Castleford so he knows the environment and the club, he knows the importance of coming here and giving his best week in, week out.

“He went over to Warrington and played some good rugby there and played alongside some experienced players, and learnt a great deal. Then again at Hull KR, we’re looking forward to having him on board.

“Other teams have been looking in the market, we’ve been the same. Being able to pick someone up of his age and experience is great for us.

“He’ll improve the competition for places and get some guys looking over their shoulder. He’ll definitely add something to the dynamic of the group.”

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