Castleford Tigers have confirmed the signing of Toulouse Olympique forward Tyla Hepi for the 2020 season. The 25-year-old endured a tough time in England during his last Super League stint with Hull KR between 2011 and 2013. Hepi was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but he is federation trained and won’t count as an overseas player for Cas.
After his previous struggles, the forward insists he is eager to prove his worth this time around in England. Hepi told the club’s official website: “I haven’t really given it much thought yet because I’ve been focused on getting up to Super League with Toulouse.
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I’ve been here four years and it’s been the goal for all that time, so hopefully I can earn promotion here before coming across to Cas and having a shot next year. “I feel like I’ve gone the long way round in my career, I’ve not taken any shortcuts. Looking back, I wasn’t ready to be a Super League player the last time with Hull KR. It did leave a bitter taste in my mouth when I was younger and I’ve been trying to get that back ever since.
“I used to be a bit loose out on the field, but coming to Toulouse the coach here has coached that out of my game. I was a bit raw, but full credit goes to him for making me the player I am today, and I feel ready for this next step.
“I’m really excited about coming to Cas and I just want to cement a spot in the side, play week in, week out with the boys and focus on becoming a better player. Being realistic, I know that I’ll be starting from the bottom and working my way up, but I’m hungry as can be to prove myself.”
