Castleford Tigers’ acting captain Luke Gale has ended speculation over his future with the Tigers by pledging to see out his career with them.
The 27-year-old scrum-half, who was under contract for 2017 but linked with a move away from the club, will now remain with them until the end of the 2021 season after signing a new five-year deal.
Gale said: “I’m delighted to have signed my new deal with Castleford Tigers and it’s great to be able to put all the rumours to bed. “It’s a great club to be part of and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the club in the coming years.
The fans are amazing and we’ve built a brilliant team here who are hungry for success and to bring silverware back to Castleford. “I did have interest from elsewhere but I always wanted to stay here and I’d like to see out the rest of my career here at Castleford Tigers.”
Gale, who joined Castleford from Bradford after the Bulls were relegated from First Utility Super League in 2014, enjoyed a stellar season in 2015 which earned him a place in the Dream Team and the England squad for the Test series against New Zealand, although he never got to make his debut. He has continued his impressive form this season and has led the team in the absence of injured captain Michael Shenton.
Castleford coach Daryl Powell said: “Luke Gale has been outstanding since he signed at Castleford Tigers and I expect him to improve every year he is with us. “I am delighted that he has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the Tigers for the next five years.
I fully expect him to become the next England half-back and look forward to him continuing to grow as a person and a player within our environment.”