Castleford 'beat off global interest' to tie down Chase

(GETTY IMAGES)

Castleford have fought off rival bids from across the rugby world to retain the player they want to build their team around.

Rangi Chase, who had been linked with possible moves to bigger English clubs, a return to the NRL and a switch to rugby union, has agreed a contract extension that will keep him with the club until the end of 2015.

His decision is a major boost for the Tigers' new coach, Ian Millward, who is taking over from Terry Matterson next season.

"Castleford is home for me now and with Ian and the new staff coming in, I'm confident that the club is heading in the right direction," said the 25-year-old Kiwi.

"We have beaten off global interest in his services from both codes of rugby," said Castleford's chief executive, Richard Wright, who called Chase, who has enjoyed a stellar season, "the best all-round player in Super League."

Hull KR have signed Lincoln Withers, the experienced Australian hooker, who spent the last two seasons with Crusaders. Rovers' board and new coach, Craig Sandercock, met Withers in Sydney last week to make him the first signing under the new regime.

Four Huddersfield players have been added to the England squad preparing for the Four Nations – Danny Brough, Eorl Crabtree, Leroy Cudjoe and Luke Robinson have all been called up, along with Melbourne's Halifax-born Gareth Widdop.

Leigh's scrum-half, Jamie Ellis, was named last night as the Co-operative Championship Player of the Year, with Daryl Powell of Featherstone winning the Coach of the Year award for the second year running.

In Championship 1, there was a double for Swinton, with full-back, Ian Mort, and coach Steve McCormick taking home the major awards.