CASTLEFORD Tigers ace Liam Watts is aiming to put the prop into property –
The 29-year-old prop forward has just signed a deal to take on the exciting, new estate agency easyProperty franchise in his home town area.
But first, he and his Rugby League stars have a game against newly-promoted Toronto Wolfpack at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Sunday (Jan 19), which marks the start of Tigers’ captain Michael Shenton’s testimonial season.
easyProperty are the matchday sponsors as part of their launch into the Castleford and Pontefract areas.
Liam will be learning the ropes with easyProperty – part of the easy family of brands owned by easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou –as he prepares for life after Rugby League.
But that’s a long way off with the Castleford-born Watts having signed a three-year contract extension that will see him wearing the Cas colours until the end of the 2023 season.
The 17-stone forward is married to Beth, 25, and she will helping out in the business and running the social media accounts.
Liam says he wants to make his family financially secure when his playing days are over.
But the ex-Hull KR and Hull FC player says: “I am still loving the game and feel I’m in my prime right now – well drilled and well coached. I’ve still got plenty of years ahead of me here at Cas.”
Of his new business venture, Liam says: “I think the Castleford and Pontefract area has had a lot of investment by way of new build and industry and commercial units, meaning more employment for the immediate area and along with great access to Leeds, which is arguably the second biggest financial institution after London. It’s the perfect area at the perfect time.
“The uncertainty in the property market is already showing signs of disappearing with the uncertainty over Brexit soon to end and the election over and done with, so that’s why it’s a great time to launch the business.
“I am a 50-50 partner at the moment, but once I’ve learned the business thoroughly, I aim to own it outright.
“Nothing ventured nothing gained, as they say. I can put my hand to anything and do it to the best of my ability. That’s always been my attitude to life.”
Kelvin Brook, Regional Manager of easyProperty, is a fan who met Liam at a Castleford match. He says: “I’m backing Liam all the way in his bid to make this a success.
“He’s shown his toughness on the field and I feel that will help him in the business world when he decides to hang up his boots.
“Liam shows the same desire to make it work as he has always shown in a Castleford shirt – and I’m sure he’ll be a big success.
“The estate agency world is fiercely competitive – in many ways it’s just like Rugby League.
“We feel with our experience and knowledge we can teach people like Liam how to be good estate agents.
“Right from our initial discussions. Liam has demonstrated a sound, basic knowledge of estate agency and the house selling process and business practices in general, so we are extremely excited about how the orange Castleford Tiger can work with the orange easyProperty brand!”
David Brierley, managing director of easyProperty, said: “It’s great having Liam on board. It shows the ever-expanding reach of easyProperty.”
*easyProperty is currently working with Rugby League Cares, an independent charity that helps players find jobs once their careers are over, providing education and training grants to help equip them with the skills and qualifications needed for the next stage of their lives.
