LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Young Wests Tigers centre Krystian Mapapalangi is set to remain with the Tigers in 2026, but his journey will take him to England instead of Australia.
The 23-year-old has announced his move to the Castleford Tigers in the English Super League on a two-year contract, concluding his tenure with the NRL's Wests Tigers earlier than expected.
Mapapalangi made his NRL debut in 2022 with the Newcastle Knights after joining on a development deal. He participated in six games before leaving the club at the end of the 2024 season.
In 2025, he signed with the Wests Tigers but could not secure a place in coach Benji Marshall's main lineup, resulting in a year spent in reserve grade.
Now, he is heading to England, where he aims to gain valuable experience at a higher level of rugby league by joining Ryan Carr's team, the former St George Illawarra Dragons' assistant and interim head coach, for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
"I've heard plenty of great things about the club, who pride themselves on hard work as a blue collar town," Mapapalangi stated in a club media release as he confirmed his signing.
"I'm looking forward to playing high-level footy against some great players in this competition. Also playing in front of the passionate Castleford fans, I've been told their support is unreal!"