Tigers coach Matterson said "some tough decisions" had to be made

Castleford have continued the overhaul of their squad by axing Adam Fletcher, Peter Lupton, Mark Leafa and Ned Catic.

Anthony Thackeray, Scott Moore, Brendan Hlad, Awen Guttenbeil, Stuart Donlan and Luke Dorn have already left.

The Tigers, who finished bottom of the Super League, have made seven signings for 2009 and say more are to come.

Castleford coach Terry Matterson said: "We are confident that the make-up of the squad will give us every chance of climbing the table in 2009."

Lupton made 57 appearances since joining Castleford from Hull in 2006 while former Leigh prop Leafa spent two seasons with them.

Prop or second rower Catic looks set for a second spell in French rugby. while winger Fletcher is returning to Australia after completing his second stint with the Tigers.

Matterson added: "We have thought long and hard when assessing the squad at the end of the season and, for differing reasons, some very tough decisions have had to be made.

"As is often the case, this means that some players who have served the club well have to be released."