Featherstone Rovers’ signing of former Castleford Tigers star Jesse Sene-Lefao further proof of their Super League ambitions

The Samoa back-row, 31, is another high-class signing as they bid to go one step further than last season when they missed out on promotion when losing the Million Pound Game against Toulouse Olympique.

Sene-Lefao won the 2017 League Leaders’ Shield in his first campaign at Castleford, also reaching the Super League Grand Final.

He made 100 appearances for Castleford and was a regular for Daryl Powell’s side last term but was out of contract at the end of the campaign.

“I’m extremely pleased with this signing which absolutely demonstrates the club’s ambition to progress to the next level,” said McDermott, whose Leeds Rhinos side defeated Sene-Lefao’s Castleford in that 2017 decider.

“Jesse is a proven top-class player at the highest levels of the game and we will need his leadership, experience and quality as we look forward to an extremely challenging 2022.”

New Zealander Sene-Lefao was able to secure ‘indefinite leave to remain in the UK’ this week, meaning he can continue his rugby league career on these shores.

The ex-Manly and Cronulla Sharks forward said: “I’m so grateful to be here.

“It’s so special in so many ways. I’ve been talking to the fans and doing my research to understand the significance of the club within the local community.

“I feel so privileged to be here and, even though I haven’t played a game yet, I feel a part of the community.

“I really can’t wait to get out there, play on the main pitch, and show the goods.”

Meanwhile, Wakefield Trinity has become the first Super League club to sign the Muslim Athlete Charter.

With an increase in Muslim players, staff and supporters across the game, the West Yorkshire outfit is the latest professional sports club to have signed the pledge, following in the footsteps of London Broncos RL and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.