The club has joined forces with NEW College at Pontefract and Wakefield Thornes Park College to give players in its scholarship and academy programmes better access to further education.

Under the initiative players will have the chance to join NEW College's talented athlete scholarship scheme or the rugby league development centre at Thornes Park.

Tim Rumford, player performance manager at Castleford Tigers, said: "Many of our scholarship and academy players are very bright young men who often become torn between further education and following their dream of playing professional rugby.

"These links will allow the colleges to assist our elite youngsters with their choices and take them through their options.

"Before players take up their courses the club and college will then work to co-ordinate players' club commitments with their college activities, enabling the players to concentrate hard on their studies, while still putting 100 per cent effort into their development as elite players."

Jenny Taylor, of NEW College, added: "Elite athletes often neglect their education in order to follow their sports ambitions. It's a very responsible move by the club and it's refreshing to know that the club is looking after players' education as part of their development."

The college will be unveiling a plaque in its reception area to mark the start of the link with the club.