Castleford Tigers have landed Ben McNamara and Keanan Brand on loan from Leigh Leopards for the rest of the season.
Castleford were keen to boost their squad because of injury and both joined ahead of Friday’s 2026 signing deadline, meaning they will be in contention to make their Tigers debuts against St Helens on Saturday.
McNamara, 25, who is the son of the Hull FC coach for 2027, Steve McNamara, came through the ranks for the Black and Whites and made his debut for them in 2020.
McNamara, who can play halfback or hooker, joined Leigh in 2024 and has made 27 appearances, scoring four tries and kicking 30 goals.
Brand, 27, who can play wing or centre, came through at Widnes Vikings before joining Warrington Wolves and then Leigh, initially on loan in 2021.
He has made 67 appearances for the Leopards, scoring 34 tries, and was their top scorer in 2025 with 20 tries.
Castleford director of rugby Chris Chester said, external: “Both compete really hard and go after the game. They will give us some much-needed depth to our squad.”
Leigh have also offloaded forward Oliver Polec, who has joined Championship side Salford on loan for the rest of the season.
Polec joined Leigh from St Helens for this season, but has still to make his competitive debut for the Leopards.