Wakefield Wildcats will consider groundshare with Castleford Tigers

Wakefield Wildcats chief executive James Elston claims the club may now be prepared to consider a groundshare with neighbours Castleford Tigers.

The idea was initially rejected by the Wildcats but Elston has revealed he is ready to reconsider all options in a bid to find a solution to the Wildcats’ need to move into a new stadium fit for Super League purposes.

Castleford are well on their way with a development at Glasshoughton, while their rivals have experienced difficulties getting the go-ahead for a project two junctions apart on the M62 at Newmarket.

Trinity though, are desperate to restore confidence amongst their fan base and sponsors after being rescued from administration by local businessman Andrew Glover and his Spirit of 1873 private investment company.

However, Elston insists the Tigers are not the only club they are keen to talk to, with the likes of Featherstone Rovers and Barnsley FC also on their radar.

Speaking in the latest PROBIZ Tryline, Elston said: "I think that any shared facility would have to be in a fairly neutral location. I think Castleford are well on their way with their planning, but I have no idea when they are planning their build.

“The difficult part of that question is if there's no stadium to share, where are we going to play? Then I think there has to be some common sense applied at this stage as to where we are going to play .

“We need to speak to Castleford, to Featherstone and the council and find out exactly where everybody is and reassess everything, because if we can find out, we can start our stadium build in six months and then move forward.

“Obviously our facility at Belle Vue is not as viable as many of the modern stadiums. A sports club in the 21st century really requires a 365 day business instead of 14.

“The facilities at Belle Vue don’t allow that so we have to have a plan in place to get into a new stadium.”

The Wildcats, who were docked four points for going into administration, are under pressure to move away from the out-dated Rapid Solicitors Stadium to comply with the requirements of the RFL to secure a new three year licence.

The governing body has already stated that one current Super League club will not get their membership renewed from next season.

You can hear more from the Wildcats chief executive, as well as head coach John Kear and new owner Andrew Glover in the latest PROBIZ Tryline, as they discuss the way ahead for the club.

Also in episode 33 of the series, The Independent's Dave Hadfield previews the PROBIZ World Club Challenge as the top team from last season’s Engage Super League prepares to do battle with the Premiers of Australia’s NRL.

Wigan Warriors are aiming to return the crown to British soil with a win over St George Illawarra Dragons at the DW Stadium after Leeds Rhinos lost the showpiece fixture in the two years previously.

The Independent’s chief Rugby League writer can also be heard talking about last weekend’s Super League action and the games coming up in round three too!

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