The eyes of the Betfred Super League might be on Las Vegas, but the world continues to turn back at home.
In what a cynic might argue seemed like a classic piece of trying to bury bad news, Castleford Tigers announced at 8.31pm on Thursday evening that long-serving prop Liam Watts had left by mutual agreement.
Along with the news being release half an hour after the Super League Round 3 opener between Hull KR and Salford Red Devils had kicked off, the phrases “honest discussion” and “honest conversation” were used in the quotes attributed to both head coach Danny McGuire and Watts in the Tigers’ official announcement.
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We’ll leave it to draw your own conclusions about what that might mean, but Watts’ quotes struck a conciliatory tone.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Cas, it’s my hometown club so it will always be in my heart and there are no hard feelings, I wish Magsy and the boys well,” Watts, whose contract ran through to the end of 2025 after a one-year option was activated last year, said.
“We have both agreed that the best thing for me and my career is to seek a new challenge. Like I say, I wish the club well and I look forward to what comes next.”
Watts had not featured for Cas since the shock defeat away to Bradford Bulls in the Betfred Challenge Cup at the start of February, having struggled due to injury and illness.
The Featherstone-born forward made his professional debut with the Tigers in 2007, but moved to Hull KR the following year and then enjoyed a successful spell in the west of the city with Hull FC after joining midway through 2012, winning the Challenge Cup twice.
Watts returned to Castleford in 2018 and went on to make a further 147 appearances for them. However, the 34-year-old is now free to pursue other opportunities.
Rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads revealed a return to Hull FC was not on the cards for Watts, while it was reported by League Express the 34-year-old may step back from full-time rugby.
“We agreed the time was right for him to pursue other avenues, both on and off the pitch,” McGuire said.
“He is a great pro and has been a great servant to Cas, and we wish him well with the next stage of his career and what comes next.”
Watts’ departure also leaves the Tigers light when it comes to experienced props, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos.
