Castleford Swoop To Sign Up Rangi Chase Again

Castleford have announced the shock re-signing of former England half-back Rangi Chase.

The 30-year-old quit the game in May when he was released by Championship outfit Leigh but he has since performed an about-turn and will join the Tigers to the end of the season, with the club holding an option to extend the deal further.

Chase will link up with his new team-mates on Monday and could make his playing return in their next game, at home to Catalans Dragons.

"It's like coming back home for me," Chase told the club website. "I love the people here. When the opportunity came up to come back to this great club I took it with both hands, I wasn't going to let this opportunity slip away from me.

"This move is purely about the badge and the way it made me feel when I played for it. I feel so blessed to be here and I thank God and everyone at this great club for giving me a second chance at Castleford Tigers."

The news will be a timely boost for Castleford as they seek to end a run of four successive defeats and fans chanted the player's name during their 22-18 loss to Salford at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night.

Chase enjoyed his most success during his five years at Castleford, where he scored 47 tries in 129 appearances from 2009-13 and was crowned Super League's Man of Steel in 2011.

Castleford coach Daryl Powell said: "I am really pleased to be able to add to our squad at such a crucial stage in the season. Rangi is a high quality player who knows so much about Castleford Tigers and what it means to play for this club.

"It's a great opportunity for Rangi to make a big impact again in Super League and for us it gives us great competition for places in such key a key position as half-back. I look forward to welcoming Rangi to the club and seeing him pull on the famous shirt yet again."

Chase quit Championship club Leigh two months ago and has subsequently spoken of his battle with depression.

Castleford, who need a stand-off after losing Ben Roberts for the season with a foot injury, are also being linked with a move for Manly Sea Eagles centre Tony Satini, 22.