Castleford Tigers have handed a full-time contact to rookie prop Nathan Massey for the 2009 season.

The 19-year-old had already been contracted for next year, but has had his previous deal upgraded by the club.

He is currently on loan at National Two side York City Knights where he has had the opportunity to experience more first-grade action.

Massey is highly-rated at Castleford and was awarded their academy player of the year in 2007.