Castleford Tigers and Featherstone Rovers Reportedly Eyeing Player Swap Deal
According to League Express, Castleford Tigers and Featherstone Rovers are currently in discussions over a potential player swap deal that could see two 24-year-old players change clubs before the end of the season.
Castleford forward Sylvester Namo is tipped to depart the Jungle in a move to Featherstone’s Millennium Stadium. His expected departure would create space in Castleford’s overseas player quota, paving the way for Tom Amone—formerly of Leigh Leopards—to join the Tigers’ ranks. In return, Featherstone’s versatile outside back Connor Wynne is expected to make the switch to Castleford.
Namo, who made a name for himself on the international stage representing Papua New Guinea, arrived at Castleford with high expectations. However, he has struggled to consistently deliver for the Tigers and was absent from the squad that narrowly lost 13-12 to Wakefield Trinity last Thursday. In total, Namo has made just 22 appearances in 18 months, falling short of the impact fans hoped he would bring.
Meanwhile, Wynne, who developed through the Hull FC academy system, made a mark in Super League early in his career. He scored 14 tries in 36 appearances for Hull FC before moving to Featherstone in 2024. Since joining the Rovers, he has become a fan favorite thanks to his impressive form—crossing the try line 29 times in just 34 appearances.
Wynne was involved in Featherstone’s thrilling 24-22 victory over the York Knights on Saturday, coming off the bench and playing a key role. His attacking spark and consistency have made him a sought-after player, with the move to Castleford potentially serving as a short-term opportunity to fill a need in the Tigers’ squad.
However, the proposed deal for Wynne appears to be a temporary one, lasting only for the remainder of the 2025 season. Beyond this year, the 24-year-old is widely expected to join Hull KR, who have shown strong interest in securing his services for 2026 and beyond.
The proposed swap, while not officially confirmed, highlights strategic moves by both clubs. Castleford aims to refresh their forward pack by bringing in Amone, a powerful presence up front, while Featherstone is reportedly keen to bolster their forward depth with Namo.
If finalised, the swap could serve both teams well as they navigate the remainder of the season and look toward long-term planning. Both players would get the chance to reignite their careers with fresh opportunities, while the clubs address positional needs and squad balance.