Having finished the 2022 season in 7th place, falling short of play-off qualification on the final day, Castleford recruited high-profile signings including Gareth Widdop, Jacob Miller and Albert Vete.

[1] Going into Lee Radford's second year as head coach, expectations were mixed:[2][3] a new-look spine was an enticing prospect,[4] however the Tigers squad also had the league's highest average age.

[5] Pre-season preparations were beset by coaching absences and disorganised, leaving the team on the back foot according to senior players Jordan Turner and Kenny Edwards.

[11] Castleford came close against Salford and Hull KR, but ultimately entered into a six-match losing streak, including elimination from the Challenge Cup at the first time of asking in front of a decade-low home crowd.

A large loss to Salford followed, with captain Paul McShane's season ended by a fractured forearm,[14] although the Tigers consolidated with a win over out-of-form Warrington.

[15] A host of signings, including Liam Horne, Charbel Tasipale and Blake Austin, aimed to turn the tide back in Cas' favour[16] - however, on 4 August, a comprehensive loss against Huddersfield sent the Tigers bottom on points difference, with a number of fans staging a protest.