The chief executive told the Express the idea of sharing a ground with its top-flight neighbours was an "exciting concept" after Wakefield Council announced it would not be able to offer cash towards both clubs' plans for state-of-the-art new homes.

Leader of the council Coun Peter Box confirmed last week that £4m of financial support offered to the clubs would not be available from September unless they could agree to share a home.

A feasibility study will be carried out to establish whether the sides should play at Castleford Tigers' proposed development in Glass Houghton or Wakefield Wildcats planned stadium in Stanley.

Mr Wright said the clubs desperately needed a new stadium to win a Super League licence when they are renewed next year.

He added: "For our part, we are an ambitious club and want to play at the highest level on a sustainable basis. Our objectives are very clear – to secure our Super League status, maximise revenue to enable us to build a winning team and to play at a stadium our supporters can be proud of.

"These are all priorities we share with the Wildcats and in this economic climate a shared stadium is the best, and importantly, the quickest way of achieving this."

*Read a special report on the shared stadium plan in this week's Express.