New Castleford Tigers full-back Blake Taaffe is a man on a mission after coming over from Australia to help improve his new team’s standing in Super League in 2026.
Taaffe is one of 13 signings made by the Tigers in a complete overhaul of their squad following the failings of the last few years, but is seen as one of the most important.
As a former NRL Grand Final player he has the pedigree to be a big hit in England and is keen to make a big impression.
He believes he has a point to prove and is determined that Cas fans will see the best of him this year.
He said: “I believe my best footy is yet to come and this is what excites me the most for the next three years I’m wearing this Cas jersey.
“Personally, I’m here because I have a lot to prove, not to anyone but myself.
“The UK has been good to me and my partner. The weather has been cold but it’s not as bad as everyone says it is. I’m really enjoying my time here already.
“I’ve settled in well. We have such a good bunch of boys here, which made the move so smooth plus the club and the coaching staff have been awesome with everything.
“It was so welcoming when I first got here, which is everything you want coming to a new club.”
On what he thinks the Tigers can achieve under new head coach Ryan Carr, the Australian added: “As a team we are striving to be the best.
“We are chasing perfection in every aspect of our game, whether it’s in attack or defence.
“We have worked so hard this pre-season under Carry and we can’t wait to get stuck into it as a club.”
Taaffe’s first competitive game in a Cas shirt is likely to come in the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup when the Tigers travel to South Yorkshire to take on Championship club Doncaster next month.
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