JOE FORECASTS A GOLDEN AGE AT CAS

Castleford v Warrington

- EXCLUSIVE BY DAVE CRAVEN

CASTLEFORD veteran Joe Westerman admits he has found it “tough” this season - but has vowed to prove his class again and be part of a Cas rebirth.

The former England loose forward turns 36 in November and is one of Super League's oldest players.

His hometown club Castleford have only picked up four wins all term, and sacked head coach Danny McGuire less than a fortnight ago - but still went on to lose against crisis-torn Salford last week.

Westerman (right), who chalked up his 450th career appearance in the recent defeat by Wigan, has struggled to hit top form himself, and said: “It's been a tough year, and my own performances have been a bit inconsistent.

“It's tough being on the back foot at times when you're a bit older. And it was a tough preseason. That took its toll on me - but I still feel that I can play at this level. There's plenty of life in the legs.”

Westerman, who is under contract for 2026, is not contemplating retirement.