Sam Wood on Castleford Tigers scrutiny and why he has fire in his belly at York KnightsFIRE IN HIS BELLY: Sam Wood’s New Challenge at York Knights After Castleford Tigers Scrutiny
In the world of rugby league, Sam Wood’s name once carried a weight of expectations. When he was handed the captaincy of Castleford Tigers in 2025, it seemed like the perfect moment for the centre to shine. But behind the scenes, the reality was far more complex. Wood, a talented player who had earned an England cap just 18 months earlier, was pushing through the pain barrier to meet those expectations.
The first half of 2025 was challenging for the 28-year-old. While fans saw his form dip and his leadership falter, what they didn’t see were the injections and the grueling effort required just to get through each game. As the season wore on, it became clear that Wood was fighting a battle with his body. Injuries, particularly to his shoulder, began to take their toll. Despite the discomfort, he kept playing, not wanting to let his teammates, coaches, or fans down.
“I gave everything to that club,” Wood said, reflecting on his time at Castleford. “But I was playing busted. The fans don’t see the injections you have to have week to week just to get through games.” His dedication to the Tigers was unquestionable, but eventually, the decision was made to take a break and recover.
Despite the setback, Wood left Castleford on good terms. He remains grateful for the opportunity but recognized that it was time for a fresh start. And that fresh start came in the form of a move to York Knights.
“I felt it was the right time for me to find a new challenge,” he explained. Wood, who had once been a standout for Huddersfield Giants and Hull KR, was now looking to reignite his career with a club that had big ambitions for the future.
While York Knights may not be the biggest club in Super League just yet, their rise has been nothing short of impressive. After securing two trophies at the Championship level and earning promotion to Super League, York is making its mark on the sport. And now, they’ve added seasoned professionals like Wood to their ranks as they prepare for their maiden Super League season.
“The ambition of the club and wanting a fresh start personally,” said Wood, speaking on what drew him to the Knights. “York are a club on the up. They’re ticking all the boxes. It sounds like a cliché, but they’re such a fantastic group of people.”
One of the standout features of York’s rise has been the camaraderie within the squad. Despite the added pressure of promotion to Super League, Wood has been impressed by the grounded nature of the players and coaches alike. The Knights have fostered an environment where egos are checked at the door, and hard work is the priority.
“What impressed me the most is how easy they’ve made my transition. I’m absolutely loving it here,” Wood said. “It’s a really special place to be.”
For Wood, the move to York represents not just a chance for a new start but also a deeper sense of purpose. The club’s promotion to Super League means that Wood and his teammates are making history. “We’re the first team to ever represent York Knights in Super League. We’re custodians of the shirt,” he said, emphasizing the responsibility he feels in helping set the foundation for future generations.
However, the challenge for York is daunting. As a newly promoted club, they face financial constraints and the realities of competing with teams that have far more resources. Operating on half the central funding of most of their Super League rivals, the Knights will have to rely on team chemistry, grit, and determination to prove their worth.
Yet, despite the uphill battle, Wood remains quietly confident. “The coaches are filling me with a lot of confidence, and that’s what I need sometimes. I’ve got the fire in my belly to get back to my best,” he said. Wood’s personal goal is simple: get through pre-season without injury and start the year on a high note.
Looking ahead, Wood believes the Knights are capable of surprising people. “We’re quietly confident within our own four walls,” he said, hinting that the team has a lot more to offer than outsiders may think. With Wood’s fire and a strong, united squad, York’s first Super League season could well be one to remember.
As Wood embarks on this new chapter, there is a renewed sense of purpose and determination in his eyes. He’s ready to show the world that, despite the scrutiny and setbacks of the past, he still has plenty to give. The journey at York is just beginning, and Wood is determined to make it count.