Ryan Carr Stirs the Pot at Castleford Tigers: A Veteran’s Role Change Signals Shifts Beneath the Surface – A New Chapter Begins, But Who’s Stepping Up to the Plate? Full Story Below as Tigers Prepare for 2026’s Big Challenge
A New Era at Castleford Tigers: Ryan Carr’s First Major Selection Call
Ryan Carr’s leadership at Castleford Tigers has already begun with a bold decision that signals a shift in the team’s future. As part of a unique squad reveal throughout December, the club has dropped a bombshell by announcing veteran Joe Westerman will keep his place at the Tigers for 2026—but with a major twist.
Westerman, who has been with the Tigers since his return in 2022, has long been an emblem of stability and grit for the club. A former Super League Young Player of the Year, his 2026 role, however, will be a significant departure from the one he has grown accustomed to. The 36-year-old, now just four appearances away from reaching 400 Super League games, has been handed the number 16 shirt. This move suggests that Westerman’s days as the team’s starting loose forward are over, and a new era may be dawning at the heart of the Tigers’ pack.
The decision was part of a broader announcement that showcased Castleford’s squad for the upcoming season, with the club choosing to reveal one jersey number each day in December. The confirmation that Westerman will stay with the Tigers, despite earlier uncertainties, comes as a relief for fans who feared the club might lose one of its most recognizable figures. Still, this shift in his position marks the beginning of a new phase.
The Impact of Westerman’s Role Change
The move to the bench could be a tactical response from Ryan Carr, who is keen to evolve the Tigers’ playing style in 2026. As the club’s new head coach, Carr has expressed a desire to adopt a faster, more dynamic game plan. This approach seems to be incompatible with Westerman’s style, which relies on a high work rate over long minutes—something that may be harder for the veteran to sustain at his age.
The shift to number 16 could indicate that Westerman will play a more impactful role off the bench, rather than anchoring the middle of the park for the Tigers. With no clear senior player naturally suited for the loose forward role, Carr’s move opens the door for fresh faces to stake their claim in one of the game’s most pivotal positions.
The Race for the Loose Forward Spot
So, who could step up to fill Westerman’s shoes as the Tigers’ first-choice loose forward in 2026? There are several candidates who could make a strong case.
George Lawler emerges as one of the frontrunners. The 30-year-old former Hull KR man has impressed with his versatility, transitioning from hooker to the forward pack. Lawler stepped into the loose forward role for the Tigers in Westerman’s absence during the final stretch of the 2025 season. His ability to create opportunities with the ball could be a key asset for Carr’s new-look team.
Joe Stimson, another new addition, also provides an intriguing option. The former NRL player, who arrived at Castleford in June 2025, brings with him a wealth of experience. Though Stimson is more naturally suited to the front row, he has experience at loose forward, having filled the role in Queensland Cup during the previous season. His size and power would offer a different dynamic to Westerman’s finesse, and Carr may look to tap into that flexibility as the season unfolds.
New Faces, New Opportunities
Carr’s decision doesn’t just impact Westerman. The arrival of Jack Ashworth and Brock Greacen further adds layers of intrigue to the Tigers’ squad. Ashworth, who will miss the start of the season due to suspension, has been handed the number 15 jersey, while Greacen takes the number 14 shirt. Both players will be looking to make an immediate impact, contributing to a squad that Carr hopes will challenge for higher honors.
As Carr looks to reshape the team, his first big selection call is an indication of the evolving dynamics within the Castleford Tigers. While Westerman may have lost his starting spot, the club’s shift in direction reflects the ambition to remain competitive in a rapidly changing Super League landscape. The coming months will reveal whether these changes can bring the Tigers back to their best.
Stay tuned for more updates on Castleford Tigers’ preparations for 2026 and the latest player news.