Castleford Tigers have been dealt a major blow in their preparations for the upcoming 2026 season, with one of their key backs facing the real possibility of missing all of next year’s campaign through injury.
Sources close to the club have confirmed that Jason Qareqare — an exciting young outside back who has burst onto the scene over recent seasons — could be sidelined long-term after suffering another significant hamstring issue in 2025.
Qareqare’s trajectory has been one of rapid progress. Since joining Castleford, he has delivered eye-catching performances and developed into one of the club’s most dangerous attacking outlets when fit. But injuries have repeatedly interrupted his continuity, and the latest setback — a recurrence of the same hamstring problem — required surgery and a lengthy recovery.
Although he managed to return to the squad towards the end of the 2025 season, Qareqare did not make further appearances after being managed as a precaution. With pre-season approaching and lingering concerns about the risk of further damage, Castleford’s medical team and coaching staff are understood to be taking an extra-cautious approach to his rehabilitation.
This has raised real questions over his availability for the entirety of the 2026 campaign. With recovery timelines stretching into next year and the club unwilling to jeopardise his long-term fitness, some pundits now believe he may not feature at all next season unless there are significant improvements in his progress.
Qareqare’s absence would be a significant loss for the Tigers on both ends of the field. The winger/centre combination of pace, creativity and finishing ability that he offers has been a key attacking outlet when available — qualities that would be difficult to replace.
Castleford have already bolstered their outside ranks through recruitment, including the high-profile signing of Semi Valemei from the NRL, underlining their intent heading into 2026. But losing Qareqare — particularly if it stretches the entire season — would still be a blow to head coach Ryan Carr’s plans for continuity and attacking flair.
For Tigers supporters, the focus now will be on Qareqare’s recovery and how the club adapts in his absence. With a grueling Super League schedule ahead, depth and injury management will be vital — and this latest setback only highlights how fragile momentum can be in professional rugby league.
