{"id":570087,"date":"2026-05-06T23:38:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T23:38:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/570087\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T23:38:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T23:38:10","slug":"castleford-tigers-hand-long-term-deal-to-star-man-they-plan-to-build-a-club-around","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/570087\/","title":{"rendered":"Castleford Tigers hand long-term deal to star man they plan to \u2018build a club around\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Castleford Tigers have signed star player Krystian Mapapalangi<\/a> to a long-term deal in what director of rugby Chris Chester has labelled a \u2018significant signing\u2019.<\/p>\n

The Tigers signed a host of players in the off-season but none have had the impact that NRL recruit Mapapalangi has had and Castleford boss Ryan Carr has fielded questions almost every week about the centre\u2019s future<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mapapalangi was signed on a two-year deal but Carr made it clear he viewed the former NRL man as someone to build a club around and he\u2019s now got that wish with the the 23-year-old signing a three-year contract extension that ties him to the club until the end of the 2029 season.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a major retention and one that will offer even more security to the centre whose game should only flourish from that, or at least Castleford will hope that\u2019s the case.<\/p>\n

Confirming the news, the Tigers shared a statement saying: \u201cCastleford Tigers are delighted to announce that Krystian Mapapalangi has signed a new long-term contract, committing his future to the Club until the end of the 2029 season.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leeds Rhinos star\u2019s controversial charge, inconsistent Hull FC and Challenge Cup predictions \u2013 Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show<\/a><\/p>\n

Castleford Tigers sign Krystian Mapapalangi to long-term deal<\/p>\n

Mapapalangi\u2019s six tries and four assists in nine Super League games means he leads the way for try contributions at the club and the 23-year-old spoke after signing his new deal about how much he\u2019s enjoyed life in West Yorkshire so far.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally pleased, we finally got the deal done and that\u2019s what matters, so I\u2019m happy,\u201d the 23-year-old said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m playing good footy and I didn\u2019t want to move, it\u2019s really suited my style playing here with the boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m really enjoying my footy as you can tell on the weekends, I\u2019m building connections each week and I\u2019m happy to be doing that into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Director of rugby Chris Chester echoed Ryan Carr\u2019s sentiments about building a club around the centre as expressed \u2018delight\u2019 at getting the deal done.<\/p>\n

On Mapapalangi, he said: \u201cHe\u2019s been a great addition to our squad and has made an unbelievable impact on the field so far this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a great relationship with Mapz going back a few years now, and to have him at the club for the next three years is a significant signing for the Club.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is exactly the type of player we want to build a club around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude4c 3 More For Maps \ud83d\udcdc\u270d\ufe0f #COYF<\/a> #Mapapalangi<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Ff7sOIM8sC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) May 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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