Warrington’s Riley Dean excited to ‘step up’ following Super League move 

Warrington half-back Riley Dean says he is ready to compete regularly in Super League following his season-long loan move to Castleford Tigers.

Dean, 21, made his Super League debut with Warrington back in 2019 and has gone on to make a total of 10 appearances since, scoring three tries.

He enjoyed an impressive loan stint in the Championship with Featherstone in the first half of the current campaign, notching five tries in 11 appearances in a then-unbeaten run for Sean Long’s side.

The Halifax-born half was later recalled to feature against Leigh in Super League in Round 13, falling to a 30-12 defeat at the Leigh Sports Village.

Warrington will have a two-week recall option and Dean will be unable to face his parent club in their two remaining Super League games.

“I’m really excited to get going,” he said.

“I’ve just spoken to Andy Last and Danny Wilson so I’m looking forward just to getting in and getting out on the field.

“I enjoyed my time at Featherstone this season, but this will be a good step up for me to play Super League.

“Playing more games in the top competition week in, week out will be good for my development.

“It will be good for my career long term so hopefully I can play well.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about him (Andy Last) so I hope we can get on well and have a good back end to the season. I want to put in some good performances and have a strong end to the year.”

Castleford boss welcomes Riley Dean as latest recruit

Head coach Andy Last says the latest addition will allow players to return to their favoured position, with Niall Evalds likely to have played his final game for the club following surgery on a pectoral tear. The one-time England international has been linked with a move to Hull KR for 2024.

Captain Paul McShane has been ruled out for up to two months after suffering a fractured forearm in the defeat to Salford last Friday, while Mahe Fonua failed his head injury assessment in the 42-10 home loss.

Danny Richardson has recently returned to light training following an MCL and ACL injury, but is still unlikely to feature in 2023.

Outside-back Elliot Wallis has also recently suffered an injury to his pec and is set to see a specialist later this week.

“Riley Dean is a quality young player with some Super League and Championship experience which will be invaluable for us until the end of the season,” Last commented.

“This signing allows us to get Jack Broadbent in his preferred position of centre which will help the balance of our team.

“Riley has a good kicking game and the ability to open up defences with his short and long passing game.

“We are excited to have him on board.”

Greg Eden is in contention to return for Castleford’s next game at home to Warrington following this weekend’s Challenge Cup quarter-final action.

READ NEXT: Castleford Tigers left in ‘tough’ position with full-back exit becoming increasingly likely

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app