Castleford Tigers land new half-back for 2027 after exit from Super League rivals

Castleford Tigers have announced the signing of half-back Mason Lino, following his release from Wakefield Trinity.

Lino departs Belle Vue after six seasons, having joined the club in 2021. Having been relegated with the club and playing a big part in their promotion back to the top flight, the former Samoan international has made a total of 130 appearances for the club, but only 10 of those have come this year.

It has been heavily rumoured that the 32-year-old would be making the short trip across West Yorkshire, with Trinity opting to use Jake Trueman and Jack Sinfield as their starting halves next year, whilst Myles Lawford is a promising back-up.

Lino becomes Castleford’s sixth signing of 2027, joining Tyrell Sloan, Mat Feagai, Damien Cook (all St George Illawarra), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh) and Alfie Johnson (Halifax).

His signing comes at a time of uncertainty, with current Tigers half-back Daejarn Asi out of contract at the club, whilst Tom Weaver is only there until the end of 2027.

Prior to his exit, Ryan Carr said that Blake Taaffe would be the club’s new number six next year, with Sloan slotting in at one. That then leaves Weaver and Lino to battle it out for the starting number seven jersey. Whether that remains the plan now that Carr is out, remains to be seen.

Lino has prior connections to Castleford’s Chris Chester, with the Director of Rugby being the one to bring him over to Super League as Wakefield boss.

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