Friday 1st August 08

Castleford Tigers have strengthened their squad for the 2009 season by completing the signing of New Zealand half-back Rangi Chase.

The 22-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with Terry Matterson’s side and will leave his current club St George-Illawarra at the end of the season.

Chase, who began his career with Wests Tigers, has been capped by New Zealand at junior and A level and was also part of the senior train-on squad for the 2007 tour of England.

“I am really pleased to get Rangi on board,” said Matterson. “He is very quick, has good skills, is a hard worker and a strong defender.

"We intend to be strong in the pivotal positions next season and while we see Rangi playing primarily in the halves, he can also do an excellent job at hooker.

“Rangi has had a tough upbringing and come through much adversity in his childhood. It is a credit to him that he has come through that, knuckled down and established himself as a regular in a top-six side in the NRL. We feel sure that he will be a big success here at the Jungle.”