Castleford Tigers head coach Daryl Powell has expressed his delight at Will Maher's decision to sign a new deal with the club.

The 19-year-old prop committed his future to the Tigers by penning a four-year contract extension on Monday.

Powell believes that the teenager will develop into a vital player for the club in the years to come.

"Will has so much potential," he is quoted as saying by the Yorkshire Evening Post. "His size and contingency to develop as a big, powerful athlete is immense.

"He has improved considerably since making his debut last season and another pre-season is going to see him grow further as an athlete and as a rugby league player. I see him as a big part of our future, both for this season and over the coming years."

Maher has made five appearances for Castleford so far this season.