Castleford Tigers lodge complaint into alleged illegal 'tap-up' of young star Jason Qareqare

The RFL has launched an investigation into an alleged illegal approach for Castleford Tigers' young winger Jason Qareqare.

Rugby League Live can reveal the Tigers have lodged a complaint with the governing body after being informed that the teenager had been offered a deal by another club, despite still being contracted with the Tigers until the end of the season.

Rules state that clubs are not able to discuss potential transfers with contracted players until May 1st, but the Tigers believe they have evidence that a club has not followed the guidelines in place.

At the age of 18, Qareqare is one of the most promising players of his age across the sport after stunningly bursting onto the scene with the Tigers last season.

The teenager scored in the opening minute of his professional debut with his opening touch and went on to make two further appearances.

Inevitably, Castleford are keen to retain the youngster and are understood to have tabled a multi-year contract to keep him at Wheldon Road. But they were shocked to discover he had already received a contract offer elsewhere, forcing them to contact the RFL about an alleged 'tap-up' of one of their prized assets.

Sources have confirmed the governing body has opened an investigation into the matter.

Qareqare was born in Fiji before moving to Germany, where he spent four years before his move to the UK. He was given an upgraded contract following his dazzling debut but is now in the final season of his deal.