Leigh Leopards have allowed winger Darnell McIntosh an early release from his contract in order to take up an opportunity elsewhere in Super League, with Castleford Tigers having signed the outside back.

McIntosh was contracted until the end of the 2026 season with Leigh but the Leopards have allowed him to make the switch back to Yorkshire to sign with Castleford.

It means that Chris Chester, the man who brought McIntosh to Leigh in a swap deal for Tom Briscoe, has re-signed the 28-year-old. This time, he brings him to the Jungle on a two-year deal.

McIntosh has not played for Leigh since round 23 and that game was against Salford where a number of Leopards players were rotated. Prior to that, McIntosh’s last appearance was back in June in the blockbuster 48-30 loss to Leeds Rhinos.

Despite playing just 13 games in 2025, he still managed five tries, but Cas will be hoping for more if he’s to form part of their new-look backline under incoming head coach Ryan Carr.

Leigh Leopards winger McIntosh signs for Castleford Tigers

Castleford have made a number of changes to their backs already with NRL recruits Mikaele Ravalawa and Semi Valemei both signing, whilst the likes of Josh Simm, Innes Senior and Sam Wood have all left.

There’s a real chance for McIntosh to forge a role as a starter at Castleford and the 28-year-old has spoken on his excitement at the move, and to work with Ryan Carr.

He explained: “For me as a player, it’s exciting getting to work with someone like Ryan Carr, who I’ve only heard good things about from other players — both about his coaching style and him as a person.”

As for competition for places, he said: “With the players already there, it should be a competitive group that can push each other week on week and get the best out of everyone, including myself. I enjoyed my time at Leigh on the field and there are some really good people involved there, but I just felt like I needed a change — both for me as a player and for my family.

“Chris knows what I’m about and believes in what I can bring to the club, and having that backing from him drives me and gives me the confidence to play my best rugby and repay that faith.”

Director of rugby Chris Chester added: “I signed Darnell at Leigh Leopards, so I know what to expect. Darnell’s yardage carries are his biggest strength — he’s very good at getting teams on the front foot, and this is certainly an area we have struggled with in 2025.

“Darnell is excited about the challenge, and I know he’s looking forward to working with Carry and playing in front of the Cas faithful.”

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Castleford Tigers are delighted to announce the signing of Darnell McIntosh. pic.twitter.com/NMM0Y4j4zH

— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) October 13, 2025