Stadium boost for Castleford

Castleford have received a boost ahead of their Super League licence renewal application with the news that Wakefield Council has ratified their £2m contribution towards the club’s new stadium.

The Tigers new stadium will be located adjacent to the Xscape Leisure Complex off Junction 32 of the M62 motorway and the club now aims to submit a detailed planning application before Christmas.

Tigers’ chief executive Richard Wright said: “The club welcomes the news as the £2m contribution from Wakefield MDC is a key part of our funding package. We are extremely grateful.

“Despite the difficulties they face with the cutbacks to public spending, by this announcement Wakefield MDC has shown their continued support of the club.

“We can now commit the substantial investment needed to submit our detailed planning application with increased confidence now the council has reiterated its support for the project.”

The news comes as rivals Wakefield were informed that their stadium plans have been referred to the State Secretary, meaning it is unlikely that their stadium will be ready in time for 2012.

The Wildcats could now opt to ground share at Oakwell with Barnsley football club.