Castleford Tigers interim coach Chris Chester has explained the club’s loan move for Elliot Wallis and confirmed two season-ending injuries which have resulted in an outside backs crisis.

Former Castleford Tigers man Wallis has been drafted in on loan from Huddersfield and Chris Chester has confirmed the winger will play against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday, with the club incredibly short in their outside backs.

Josh Hodson returned last week only to suffer a broken thumb, something that will sideline him for the remainder of the season, forcing the Tigers to loan in their former player Wallis.

Chester explained: “In terms of Elliot, it was a no-brainer for us. We lost Josh Hodson at the weekend to a fractured thumb meaning we’re literally down to bare minimum in terms of outside backs.

“Josh has had an operation on that thumb. He’s another of a long list of outside backs that are missing for us. It’s a shame for Josh because he came back last week and now it’s going to be a season long for Josh.”

Castleford Tigers sit Fletcher Rooney down for rest of 2026

It was also confirmed that full-back Fletcher Rooney, who suffered a hamstring injury in the final training session before last week’s game against Hull KR, is also done for the year.

Chester did note that the youngster could be rushed back but insisted that there was no point, opting to have Rooney fit and firing for the 2026 campaign when they will have a new head coach.

“He’s done for the year,” the coach confirmed, adding: “We could try and push him and get him back for the last two rounds or the last round but it’s just not worth the risk. I’d just rather we get him right for the start of pre-season.

“I spoke about my frustration last week, some repeat injuries, and like you said, we’ll have that internal look at why things like this keep happening.

“It was another hamstring, but a different part of the hamstring.”

Jenson Windley was the man to fill in last week and that could happen again, though Tex Hoy was named to the 21-man squad and may also be available.

“Potentially,”  responded Chester when asked if Hoy could return to face Leeds Rhinos.

“He’s got a few things that he’s just currently ticking off now, as we speak. He’s trained today and he trained the other day, we’ll just have to see how he gets through it.”

Chester excited to welcome back suspended duo

As for the squad selection, Chester hinted that it will be “potentially a little bit different” as he welcomed the warm weather for helping increase the energy in training, as well as the influence of teenager Jenson Windley.

Chester explained: “There’s a lot of excitement. People like Jenson Windley will get another opportunity this week.

“I thought he was fantastic. I’m really delighted we’ve got him here for the next five years. He’s a fantastic new talent.”

As for next week and the final few games, Chester said: “I’m just excited about seeing Liam Horne back next week and Jerry Simbiken come back next week. We’ve got to try and keep them on the field. We should have a few bodies back next week for that Catalans trip.”

Horne is finishing his six-game ban for making contact with an injured player whilst Simbiken was handed a one-match ban earlier this week.

SQUAD NEWS

Chris Chester names his updated 21-MAN squad ahead of Saturday’s clash against The Rhinos 👊

Tickets 🎟️ – https://t.co/eSHowM2GDx#COYF 🐯 pic.twitter.com/PcHyV3rUrM

— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) August 14, 2025