Suaia Matagi extends Super League stay by further two seasons

Radford said: “Sui has a great pedigree coming from the NRL and I’ve been really impressed with his performances, I think he’s been fantastic.

“He has one gear which he plays in, top gear, a kick-the-door-down type of front-rower and there is a place within the squad for those types of players.

“They either come on and turn the tide of a game or they lay the foundation down early on in a game, it’s really important.”

Suaia Matagi, who played in the NRL for New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Penrith and Parramatta, said: “I’m really excited and grateful to Castleford for the opportunity this year and I’m really excited to stay here and hopefully do something special in these next two seasons.

“It’s been a roller coaster of a ride for me. I had a slow start and injured my calf during the pre-season and then really began finding my feet coming into the end of the year.

“I’m just really grateful for this opportunity and hopefully we can do something special.”

Matagai has won seven caps for Samoa and has played in two World Cups.

Graham signs new Castleford deal

Young forward Brad Graham has signed a new one-year deal with Castleford.

The 20-year-old came through the club’s academy before making his Super League debut in 2020. He made two more first team appearances in 2021.

He said: “I’m very happy, I’ve been here since I was 14 and I’m really happy! Obviously, with a new coach coming in and being given a year’s contract to see what I can do under a new staff with the team, I’m hoping to really kick on and develop my game under Lee.”