Horne born to shine

Liam Horne is confident of a better year for the Castleford Tigers, as he looks ahead to their upcoming season.

As one of Castleford’s main men, Horne became responsible for creating some mesmerising moments for the Tigers in 2024, whether this be in the form of tremendous tackles or terrific tries.

What a way to open the scores! ?

Liam Horne picks the pockets of the Dragons early on ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/OL569Jim2t

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 21, 2024

The club’s season may have reached its conclusion in late September, but it was an extended one for their hooker, who starred in the Pacific Championships as part of a Castleford quartet representing Papua New Guinea.

Horne, Cas teammate Sylvester Namo and new Tigers recruits Jeremiah Simbiken and Judah Rimbu all played a significant role in the PNG side that went on to be crowned crowned Pacific Bowl Champions in an impressive fashion.

Horne ? Namo

A Kumuls try made in Castleford ???#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/elJ9zp2Ro1

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 10, 2024

After a well-earned break over Christmas, Horne has been back at the Jungle throwing himself into the gruelling pre-season preparations:

“I had a good rest after the Pacific Championships as that was needed after a long season,” Horne said.

“I’ve come back after the New Year and the boys have been training hard, which has been really good to see.

“We have new coaching staff and a couple of new boys in the team. The energy around the group is great and I’m really excited to see how we go this year.”

It was a somewhat arduous year for the Tigers in 2024, but in between the tough times, they often challenged the top guns – coming within a try of top two Wigan and Hull KR in June, beating Salford in April, drawing with fifth-placed Leigh and winning away at St Helens.

The togetherness of the Tigers got them through, and overall, they have highlighted that on their day, they can beat anyone they put their minds to.

And Horne, who is a popular personality among the Cas Faithful, believes that his side have what it takes to be a competitive side in Super League:

“There were glimpses throughout the season against big teams – we got a win against Saints on their home patch and then had a couple of close games against Hull KR and more.

“When you get close games like that, it shows that we can do it and think this year with having a strong pre-season, we’re going to go well and have a really good season.”

Horne also recognises the calibre they have in their new head coach Danny McGuire speaking highly of his new boss:

“He [Danny McGuire] knows what success looks like; he’s won countless finals in his career. He knows what it takes to win, and he’s been transferring that over to us.

“Now, we’ve just got to buy into it and see how we go.”

But the cliché ‘week by week’ saying is what the Tigers will be sticking to, according to the Papa New Guinean:

“Rugby League can change very quickly. For us, it’s about building our season slowly – step by step and game by game and that’s the way we’re going to look at it.

“Last year we’d have an excellent game which then would be followed with a poor game, so it’s important to really build consistency this year, and make sure we’re doing the right things throughout the week.

“Our intensity training has picked up a lot, so if we can keep doing those little things in the week and then come to game day, it’s all going to transfer over.”

Will you be following Horne and the Tigers in 2025?

Watch Hull KR v Castleford Tigers on Friday 14 February, live on Sky Sports (K.O. 8pm).

Tickets are available for this fixture online both club’s official websites – Robins / Tigers