Tuesday 27th July 10

Castleford Tigers have expressed their surprise that a feasibility study into the possibility of a shared stadium with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats will no longer be carried out.

Wakefield effectively ruled out the prospect of a groundshare with the Tigers at the weekend when they announced they were “steadfast” in their determination to build their own stadium.

Both clubs have proposals to build new grounds just two junctions apart on the M62.

Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, the local authority, have said they can provide financial support for just one stadium project and have urged the clubs to come together to cut costs.

Their request to carry out an independent study was welcomed by Castleford, although the Tigers said they would press on with their plans to redevelop a site at Glasshoughton in the meantime.

Wakefield chairman Ted Richardson said, however, that the Wildcats would not consider deviating from their plans to build at Newmarket.

As a result of that, it seems the matter is now off the agenda.

A Castleford statement read: “In a recent joint statement by Wakefield and District Community Stadium Trust and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, the two organisations dismissed a groundshare deal with Castleford Tigers, if this was to be at its proposed Glasshoughton site, in favour of pursuing the Newmarket site only.

“Following Wakefield Metropolitan District Council’ initial decision to support only one stadium, the Tigers accepted their proposal for an independent feasibility study.

“This would have explored all possible stadium options and determined the best solution. It would have provided sufficient information to enable all parties to take a view on a potential groundshare at either of the two sites.

“Castleford Tigers has concerns over the feasibility of the Newmarket site, particularly the likelihood of planning permission being granted in time for the stadium to be completed to schedule.

“The club is therefore surprised to learn that the feasibility study, which would conduct a thorough and comprehensive assessment of both potential sites (Glasshoughton and Newmarket), will no longer be undertaken.” 

Both clubs were warned last year that they risked losing their Engage Super League licences if their plans for ground redevelopment did not advance.

Licences for 2012-15 will be awarded next year and at least one Engage Super League club could be vulnerable with the Rugby Football League having pledged to promote one Co-operative Championship side, if they fulfil criteria.

Salford are another club that could be in danger if their stadium plans do not come to fruition in time.

Castleford will continue to work on their Glasshoughton project and announced today an agreement had been reached with a developer to guarantee the land.

With planning permission granted and architects appointed, they now plan to unveil plans for the stadium next month.

The statement added: “Castleford Tigers remain committed to delivering a first-class stadium for the local community that will satisfy the RFL criteria when the Super League Licences are reviewed in 2011, ensuring the long-term future prosperity of the world-class rugby league club.”

The leader of Wakefield Council, Peter Box, has reiterated the council are not favouring either bid and will not get involved in the decision as to where either choose to locate to.

Wakefield Council have made £2million of land available to both sides, but are not prepared to influence their decisions beyond that.

He said: “The council has given each club assets to a value of £2million, subject to a review in September to ascertain the progress made in respect of both planning permission and a robust financial plan being in place.

“We have also offered officer support. That position has not changed.

“In September, a decision will be made as to whether the £2m facility should be extended. I expect that offer will remain on the table. However, in view of the council's budget position, no further financial help will be available from the council beyond the £2m offer.

“We want to support rugby league across the district. It is part of our heritage, we are proud of our clubs and want to see them do well.

“But I can only stress that it is not the core business of this council - or indeed any council - to determine where rugby league clubs play. That must be a matter for the clubs alone."