Castleford Tigers have sent off-season recruit Aiden Doolan out to the Championship on a season-long loan.
Doolan’s two-year deal with the Tigers was announced in November, with the hooker joining Ryan Carr’s side after impressing during a short-term deal with Barrow Raiders. The 22-year-old has had a pre-season with Castleford but he won’t spend the campaign in West Yorkshire.
Instead, he will return to Barrow for the 2026 season in the hope of picking up some much needed game time and taking the next step in his career.
The number nine had time in the youth set ups at Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings at the start of his career before spending a year down under with NRL outfit South Sydney Rabbitohs.
He returned to the UK last year to have trial spells with Widnes and Huddersfield Giants before eventually linking up with Barrow and he’ll be keen to pick up, where he left off in the Championship ahead of this weekend’s season opener against Workington Town.
Castleford Tigers signing joins Barrow Raiders on loan
Explaining the decision to loan out the hooker, Castleford director of rugby Chris Chester said: “It gives Aiden the chance to play his rugby at a Championship club while allowing us to monitor his development through the loan system.
“It’s a great opportunity for him to grow and be ready when he’s called upon for the Castleford Tigers.”
On the move, Doolan himself added: “I’m buzzing to get the opportunity to come back to Barrow on loan, following on from my spell here last season,” Doolan told the Raiders.
“I’m really excited to get playing with the lads again and get some valuable minutes under my belt to help me develop as a player.
“From a personal perspective, I’m looking forward to the start of the season. Hopefully we can push to win as many games as we can.”
Head coach Paul Crarey said: “After spending a large part of last season with the club, it’s great news that Castleford trust us with helping Aiden develop into the player they know he can be.
“Aiden was very popular with the fans, and we look forward to seeing him back in a Barrow shirt again next season.”
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