Semi Valemei appears set to be another new addition at Castleford Tigers as plans to revamp the squad enter overdrive.
All Out Rugby League understands the Fijian is the latest player to be chased by the Tigers as part of a huge squad makeover before the 2026 season.
Currently representing North Queensland Cowboys, Valemei has scored 19 tries in 43 NRL appearances, but has found first-grade opportunities harder to come by in recent years.
But that hasn’t stopped Castleford pursuing a deal for the 26-year-old, who they want to sign as part of their new-look backline next year.
Love Rugby League has previously reported that Blake Taffe and Mikaele Ravalawa were transfer targets. Both of those signings are thought to have been completed.
And Valemei, who qualifies for a visa through his Fiji appearances, is set to be the next.
He has predominantly played on the wing but has experience of playing at centre, and it is believed that is where Castleford would like him to play next season. He played in that position for Fiji throughout the 2022 World Cup.
This year, the former Canberra Raiders talent has played in the Queensland Cup for Mackay Cutters, scoring two tries in seven games.
The Tigers appear set to use the full allocation of ten quota players, having also signed Renouf Atoni and Brock Greacen for next year. However, with five overseas players now expected to arrive next season, it appears that at least two of their existing quota players will depart at the end of the season.
One will be Tom Amone as he completes a move to Hull KR but there’s also Zac Cini, Jeremiah Simbiken, Tex Hoy, Liam Horne, Daejarn Asi and Joe Stimson.
Clubs can have ten overseas players next year but if all of those players stayed, it would take them to eleven.
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