A new club Chairman in Charles Davison greeted the start of the season, as John Sheridan and Graham Heptinstall left the coaching staff for Doncaster. Also off the field, the floodlights were replaced towards the end of the season at a cost of £20,000 in the hope that more televised games would ensue. The official switch on was at the home game against Hull KR on 15 March and, slightly embarrassingly, with the teams level in the 2nd half the lights went off. Play resumed after 14 minutes and Castleford added another 10 points to win the game 22–12. A fund had been started to help pay for the floodlights but with economic conditions poor it struggled to make an impression.

Castleford started the pre-season with a friendly against Sheffield Eagles, thus launching the new club into rugby league. The club stated in the first programme of the season that the financial situation was not healthy and with the miners’ strike still running there were challenges to be faced, but all were prepared.

There were a noteworthy final few minutes of a game in November when Hunslet were visitors. The scores were level at 18–18 when Hunslet got a penalty in the 76th minute but failed with the goal attempt. A minute later Kevin Jones kicked a penalty for a Castleford 20–18 lead. Soon after Hunslet got another penalty and levelled at 20–20 in injury time. With everyone expecting a draw the referee gave Castleford another penalty and Kevin Jones kicked a simple goal to win the game 22–20.

In mid-season it was reported Ian Orum had been promoted at work and because he had to move to Birmingham would only be available in future in emergencies. However, this proved short lived and he was soon back in the area and the team.

30 league games were played with W12 D1 L17 for a finish of 12th from 16 and an escape from relegation. A total of 38 matches were played and 36 players used. Hat trick performances were shared between Ron Sigsworth, Steve Fenton, Kevin Beardmore, Tony Marchant and David Roockley. Reflecting the poorer performances, the average attendance fell by 1071 to 3217. In fact, the week before the Challenge Cup semi-final only 1992 turned up for the league game against Workington. The following week saw 21,000 at the semi-final.

The early season cup competitions were not successful, but the Challenge Cup again proved an inspiration as the semi-final was reached. It had to be against Hull – yet again. Unfortunately it led to another defeat, but at least this time it came after a 10-10 draw, so Castleford were edging closer to turning them over in the Challenge Cup. However, the cause was certainly not helped when Castleford had to play the replay 4 days afterwards, and were ordered to play Halifax in a league game in between. They also played a further 2 league games after the replay so played 5 games in 9 days. This however need not have been a talking point had Castleford pressed home their advantage in the drawn game. With fans screaming for a drop goal in the final few minutes the option was repeatedly not taken. As ever, chances lost in big games come back to bite.

In an earlier round Castleford had defeated Workington 64–4 to rewrite the record book. It was Castleford's highest Challenge Cup victory and Workington's biggest ever defeat, and every back scored, although Robert Beardmore scored goals rather than tries.

In the game against Halifax noted above, the sons of Alan Hardisty (Ian) and Dennis Hartley (Iain) both made their Castleford debut. As a full Alliance team was put out Halifax may have thought they were cruising as they went 20 points up near the end of the first half, but the never say die attitude of the young Castleford team led to them fighting back to level the score 10 minutes from time. Despite pressurising Halifax, the visitors were able to score 10 more points, including an injury time try and conversion, and inflict a 20–30 defeat on the valiant home team.

By the season end Ron Sigsworth was one of the players to play their last game for the club. He had in fact signed for Castleford after fellow Australian Michael Speechly turned down an offer.

In the "A" team Dave Sampson succeeded Geoff Wraith as coach and Castleford, now in an Alliance League of all clubs, won the Yorkshire Senior Competition Cup beating Hull KR 20–8 in the final. Stuart Horton was Player of the Year.

On 10 March, John Joyner made his 400th appearance for the club in a Challenge Cup 3rd round game against Bramley, joining only Alan Hardisty and Arthur Atkinson as players who had achieved this feat.

Representatives

Chris Chapman, Neil Greatbatch, Gary Lord, Dean Mountain and Tony Spears played for Yorkshire Colts
Chris Chapman, Neil Greatbatch and Dean Mountain played for Great Britain Colts
Kevin Beardmore played for England

Debut this season after joining the club

David Plange wing Doncaster on loan then permanent with Mark Roache going to Doncaster

Other debuts

Chris Chapman wing Castleford Colts
Martin Ketteridge sub forward Castleford Colts
Gary Lord sub back Castleford Colts
Ian Hardisty stand off Castleford Colts
Sean Snowden scrum-half
Ian Fletcher prop Castleford Colts
Iain Hartley sub forward Castleford Colts
Keith Jones second row Castleford Colts

Last career game played this season and next move

Andy Timson second row Doncaster returned after trial. Joined Rochdale £10,000 1985/86
Mark Roache wing Doncaster as part of David Plange deal
Darren Coen full-back loan to Bramley 1985/86 and later returned. Transferred Dewsbury £2500 1987/88
Kevin Jones halfback Loan to Doncaster 1985/86 later returned then permanent move to Doncaster 1986/87 £10,000
Ian Hardisty stand off Bramley in season 1987/88
Sean Snowdon scrum half
Neil James second row Transferred to Halifax 1985/86 with Alan Shillito plus £5,000 in exchange
David Finch second row Oldham £4500 1985/86
Gary Connell forward retired through neck injury

Overseas Short term Contract players

Nigel Wilson second row Canberra
Ron Sigsworth full-back Canberra