Paul McShane (rugby league)

Paul McShane

Personal information
Full name	Paul Bernard McShane
Born	(1989-11-19) 19 November 1989 (age 34) Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Height	5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight	14 st 5 lb (91 kg) [1]
Playing information
Position	Hooker, Scrum-half
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2009–13 Leeds Rhinos 63 14 0 0 56 2010(loan) → Hull F.C. 4 0 0 0 0 2012(loan) → Widnes Vikings 11 3 4 0 20 2013(DR) → Hunslet Hawks 1 0 2 0 4 2014–15 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 51 6 0 0 24 2015–24 Castleford Tigers 223 31 69 2 264 2025– York Knights 0 0 0 0 0 Total 353 54 75 2 368 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2021–22 England 3 0 0 0 0
Source: [2] [3] As of 6 November 2024

Paul McShane (born 19 November 1989) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a hooker or scrum-half for the York Knights in the RFL Championship. He has represented England at international level, and was the recipient of the Man of Steel award in 2020.

McShane began his career with the Leeds Rhinos, where he progressed through the academy and played for five seasons, winning the 2012 World Club Challenge. During this time he also featured on loan for Hull FC, the Widnes Vikings and the Hunslet Hawks. He signed for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in 2014 and spent two years there. Partway through the 2015 season, McShane joined the Castleford Tigers, where he would go on to spend the majority of his career. Across a 10-year stay, he made 223 appearances and scored 31 tries, 69 goals and 2 drop goals. He played in the 2017 Grand Final and 2021 Challenge Cup final, won the 2017 League Leaders' Shield, and was appointed Castleford club captain from 2022 until his departure at the end of 2024. He joined the York Knights ahead of 2025.

Background

McShane was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.

McShane was captain of the Merlyn Rees High School team. He joined the Leeds Rhinos' academy from Hunslet Hawks in 2006. He was named Junior Academy Player of the Year in 2007 ^[4] and kicked five goals in their Grand Final win over St Helens.

McShane was named in the England U18 Academy squad to tour Australia in June 2008.

Club career

Leeds Rhinos

McShane signed a five-year contract with Leeds in July 2008, keeping him at the club until at least 2013. ^[5]

McShane coming off the field for the Leeds Rhinos in Florida in 2009

He made his first team debut on the opening day of the 2009 Super League season against Crusaders at Headingley. ^[6] He made two further appearances in 2009, including his first start against Warrington Wolves. ^[3]

McShane was a replacement in the Leeds side that won the 2012 World Club Challenge, beating Manly-Warringah 26–12. ^[7]

McShane playing for the Leeds Rhinos in 2013

In 2013, McShane made 23 appearances for Leeds. However, at the end of the season, Leeds agreed to release McShane from his contract and placed him on the transfer list. ^[8]

Hull F.C. (loan)

In April 2010, McShane signed for Hull F.C. on a one-month loan deal. ^[9] He made 4 appearances for the club. ^[3] McShane made a further 9 Super League appearances for Leeds in 2010. He also scored his first try, against Harlequins RL. ^[10]

McShane playing for Hull FC in 2010

Widnes Vikings (loan)

In May 2012, Widnes Vikings signed McShane on a loan deal for the rest of the season. ^[11] McShane made 11 appearances during this period, scoring 3 tries and kicking 4 goals. ^[2]

Hunslet Hawks (DR)

McShane played for the Hunslet Hawks in the RFL Championship during 2013, through their dual registration arrangement with Leeds. ^[12]

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

McShane was signed by Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in November 2013. ^[13]

McShane playing for Wakefield in December 2014

Castleford Tigers

In July 2015, McShane joined Castleford on a two-and-a-half-year contract as part of a deal that saw Scott Moore move the other way on loan. ^[14] He made his club debut against Hull F.C. in the first game of the Super 8s.

McShane was ever-present for Castleford in the 2016 season, appearing in every game. ^[3] He was an integral part of the 2017 squad that won the League Leaders' Shield and he played in the 2017 Super League Grand Final defeat by Leeds at Old Trafford. ^[15] He was named Castleford Tigers' 3rd Place 2017 Player of the Year. ^[16]

In January 2018, it was announced that McShane had signed a new five-year deal with the Tigers. ^[17] McShane had an outstanding personal season for Castleford in 2018. He dominated the club's end-of-season awards, being recognised as the Fans' Player of the Year, Directors' Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, and 1st Place Player of the Year. ^[18]

Despite disruption due to injuries within Castleford's squad and the COVID-19 pandemic, McShane appeared in every game in 2020. In November, McShane was voted Super League's 2020 Man of Steel – Castleford head coach Daryl Powell said, "He is one of the best nines in the game bar none and his all-round game is fantastic." ^{[19] [20]} He became the first player since 2011 to win the award with his team failing to qualify for the play-offs. ^[20]

McShane signed a new three-year deal with Castleford in July 2021, extending his contract to the end of 2025. ^[21] On 17 July 2021, he played for Castleford in their 2021 Challenge Cup final loss against St Helens at Wembley Stadium. ^[22] In recognition of his continued outstanding form, McShane was named Directors' Player of the Year and won the Immortals Award, voted for by Castleford legends, at the club's 2021 end-of-season awards. ^[23]

Following the retirement of Michael Shenton, McShane was named as the new Castleford captain in January 2022. ^[24] He made 28 appearances throughout the season, missing just one game through suspension. ^[2]

In the 2023 season, McShane scored a try against Wakefield on 6 April in a key victory against Castleford's relegation rivals. ^[25] He made 14 appearances in total, also kicking eight goals. ^[2] On 9 June, during the defeat against Salford, he sustained a fractured forearm which would force him to miss the remaining months of the season. ^[26]

McShane was awarded a testimonial year for the 2024 season. ^[27] Castleford faced the Huddersfield Giants for his testimonial match on 4 February. ^{[28] [29]} Shortly before the first round, McShane suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out for the opening six weeks. ^[30] After nine months on the sidelines, McShane made his competitive return on 23 March against Batley in the Challenge Cup and marked the occasion by scoring a try and two goals. ^[31] In late May, complications arose regarding his previous arm injury and he underwent surgery to remove the orthopedic plates. ^{[32] [33]} On 5 September, it was announced that McShane would retire from playing full-time at the end of the season, ^[34] and he received a guard of honour at his final home game. ^{[35] [36]}

York Knights

On 6 November 2024, it was announced that McShane had signed for the York Knights in the RFL Championship on a two-year deal. ^{[37] [38]} In addition to his playing duties, he would also join the coaching staff and work alongside Mark Applegarth. ^[39]

International career

McShane was first named in England's elite performance squad in May 2017. ^[40]

McShane was named in Shaun Wane's first England squad in March 2020, in preparation for the end-of-season Ashes series. ^[41] However, the series was later cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

McShane earned his first senior England cap against the Combined Nations All Stars on 25 June 2021 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. ^[42] He represented England in their 30–10 victory over France at the Stade Gilbert Brutus on 23 October 2021. ^[43]

Club statistics

Appearances and points in all competitions by year

Club	Season	Tier	App	T	G	DG	Pts
Leeds Rhinos	2009	Super League	3	0	0	0	0
	2010	Super League	9	1	0	0	4
	2011	Super League	18	5	0	0	20
	2012	Super League	9	1	0	0	4
	2013	Super League	24	7	0	0	28
	Total		63	14	0	0	56
→ Hull F.C. (loan)	2010	Super League	4	0	0	0	0
→ Widnes Vikings (loan)	2012	Super League	11	3	4	0	20
→ Hunslet Hawks (DR)	2013	Championship	1	0	2	0	4
Wakefield Trinity	2014	Super League	27	3	0	0	12
	2015	Super League	24	3	0	0	12
	Total		51	6	0	0	24
Castleford Tigers	2015	Super League	6	0	0	0	0
	2016	Super League	32	7	4	0	36
	2017	Super League	33	4	17	0	50
	2018	Super League	31	8	10	0	52
	2019	Super League	28	1	12	0	28
	2020	Super League	18	2	0	0	8
	2021	Super League	21	5	11	2	44
	2022	Super League	28	1	5	0	14
	2023	Super League	15	1	8	0	20
	2024	Super League	11	2	2	0	12
	Total		223	31	69	2	264
York Knights	2025	Championship	0	0	0	0	0
Career total			353	54	75	2	368

As of match played 19 September 2024 ^{[2] [3]}

References

1. "Paul McShane Biography". Castleford Tigers. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
2. "Player Summary: Paul McShane". Rugby League Records. Rugby League Record Keepers Club. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
3. "Paul McShane - Playing Career". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
4. Daly, Phil (8 October 2007). "ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS REVEALED". Leeds Rhinos. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
5. "Leeds secure four academy stars". 17 July 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
6. "Leeds 28–6 Celtic Crusaders". 6 February 2009. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
7. "Leeds Rhinos 26–12 Manly Sea Eagles". 17 February 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
8. "Paul McShane: Leeds Rhinos agree to transfer list hooker". 2 November 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
9. "Hull sign Rhino McShane on loan". Love Rugby League. 21 April 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
10. "Harlequins 22–42 Leeds". 12 June 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
11. "Widnes Vikings take Leeds Rhinos hooker Paul McShane on loan". 31 May 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
12. "McShane to join up with Hunslet". Love Rugby League. 24 July 2013. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
13. "Wakefield Wildcats sign Paul McShane from Leeds Rhinos". 28 November 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
14. "Hookers trade places". Castleford Tigers. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
15. "Grand Final 2017: Castleford 6–24 Leeds Rhinos". BBC Sport. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
16. "2017 Winners". Castleford Tigers. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
17. "Paul McShane: Castleford Tigers hooker signs new five-year deal". BBC Sport. 9 January 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
18. "2018 Awards Winners". Castleford Tigers. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
19. "Season Review Castleford". www.superleague.co.uk.
20. Bazeley, Marc (24 November 2020). "Man of Steel: How Paul McShane beat the odds to claim Super League accolade". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
21. "Paul McShane: Castleford hooker signs new three-year deal with club". BBC Sport. 2 July 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
22. "Challenge Cup: St Helens beat Castleford 26–12 for first Wembley victory since 2008". BBC Sport.
23. "2021 End Of Season Awards". Castleford Tigers. 4 October 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
24. Bazeley, Marc (13 January 2022). "Paul McShane: England hooker named Castleford Tigers captain ahead of 2022 Super League season". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
25. "Super League: Castleford Tigers 16–4 Wakefield Trinity – Hosts claim derby victory over winless visitors". BBC Sport. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
26. McAllister, Josh (13 June 2023). "Castleford Tigers suffer major blow with Paul McShane timeframe revealed plus update on alternative options, including Jacques O'Neill". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
27. Walker, Callum (5 June 2023). "Castleford Tigers captain Paul McShane awarded testimonial for 2024". TotalRL. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
28. "Tigers win in McShane testimonial!". Castleford Tigers. 4 February 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
29. Cook, Sam (4 February 2024). "Ex-Hull KR man bags brace as Castleford Tigers round off pre-season with a win". Serious About Rugby League. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
30. Shaw, Matthew (14 February 2024). "Castleford Tigers rocked with Paul McShane set for significant injury layoff". Yorkshire Live. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
31. "Challenge Cup: Batley Bulldogs 14–28 Castleford Tigers: Paul McShane stars as Super League side progress". BBC Sport. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
32. Shaw, Matthew (13 June 2024). "Castleford Tigers' Paul McShane facing 'open-ended' time off with operation outcome key". Yorkshire Live. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
33. O'Brien, James (2 July 2024). "Castleford Tigers boss Craig Lingard on Paul McShane injury, George Lawler comeback and recruitment struggles". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
34. "Cas captain and ex-Man of Steel McShane to retire". BBC Sport. 6 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
35. Olawumi, Ben (8 September 2024). "Castleford Tigers coach's classy words to retiring club legend following emotional final home appearance". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
36. "Craig Lingard frustrated after Castleford Tigers fail to do Paul McShane justice". The Yorkshire Post. 7 September 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
37. Bower, Aaron (6 November 2024). "Former Super League Man of Steel agrees deal to join Championship club". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
38. Walker, Callum (6 November 2024). "Ex-Castleford Tigers captain Paul McShane signs for new club". TotalRL. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
39. O'Brien, James (6 November 2024). "'Something I've wanted to do for a long time': Paul McShane joins York Knights in dual role". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
40. Bower, Aaron (2 June 2017). "Paul McShane best hooker in Super League after England call, says Daryl Powell". TotalRL. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
41. "England head coach Shaun Wane names first squad ahead of end-of-year Ashes series". Sky Sports. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
42. "England 24–26 All Stars: Shaun Wane makes losing start with England". Sky Sports. 26 June 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
43. Hafez, Shamoon (23 October 2021). "France 10–30 England: Bateman, Farrell, Davies, Makinson with tries". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 February 2022.

External links

• Castleford Tigers profile
• Leeds Rhinos profile
• SL profile
• Josh Griffin and Paul McShane join new faces in Shaun Wane's first England squad