With the new season came the new coach and a new tradition. Castleford appointed an Australian, Darryl Van De Velde from the Redcliffe club. His impression was instant, especially in the league where the club had been up and down during the years. In fact Castleford were undefeated in the league until January 1989. By that time they had only lost two cup matches, although one was another Yorkshire Cup final. This was becoming Castleford's favourite cup competition, but defeat for the second year running – this time by 12–33 to Leeds – was a disappointing end to their sixth final in eight years. However, reaching the final for 4 successive years did equal a record set by the great Huddersfield team in 1913/14/18/19. Also, they had recorded their highest ever win by beating, ironically, Huddersfield 94–12 in the first round. It also became Huddersfield's biggest ever defeat. There were 3 hat tricks from Kevin Beardmore, Chris Chapman and David Plange in the game.

The brilliant league record raised hopes that Castleford could end up as league leaders for the first time in their history, but after that first defeat by 12–21 at bottom club Halifax in January, inconsistency or self-doubt set in. Despite winning the next three league games after Halifax, the season hit a brick wall with one win and a draw in the final 10 games. How a team could go from 11 wins and a draw to finish with 8 defeats from 10 is a question that never really received a satisfactory answer, although Darryl Van De Velde summed it up as “attitude”. Having been top of the table from 25 September until 19 March it was heartbreaking to finish with nothing better than fifth in the table by season end on 16 April, especially as there had been 8 internationals in the squad before two returned home..

The season was P26, W15, D2, L9 for the fifth finish. 36 matches were played in total and 28 players used. Grant Anderson (twice) was the only player to score a hat trick other than those in the Huddersfield game above. A winning team brings the crowds, and the average attendance boomed by 2060 to 6580.

For the first time since 1982/83 a goal ton was achieved, Martin Ketteridge kicking 129.

Neil Battye had retired through injury in 1984/5 but worked his way back to fitness and played first team football again.

Sad news reached the club in March that Albert Lunn had died, ending a 37 year association with the club as record making player and respected groundsman.

In transfer speculation preseason, Castleford had shown interest in New Zealand forward Mark Graham but nothing materialised as he signed for Wakefield. By the season end the club was in conflict with Featherstone over Graham Steadman as he signed for Castleford but Featherstone claimed an illegal approach had been made.

In recognition, Roy Southernwood captained the Great Britain under 21 team on one occasion. The club was announced Daily Mirror team of the month in August and September. Kevin Ward was named Sunday Mirror Entertainer of the Month in October.

Membership of the supporters club was confirmed at 50p for new adult members and 20p for renewals. Adult season tickets were £32 with juniors £15.

In the Alliance, Castleford had another good season under coach John Kear, finishing second in the league behind Wigan and reaching the final of the Yorkshire Senior Competition cup before losing 20–22 to Leeds. Dean Blankley was voted Player of the Year. Following an agreement with BARLA, colts teams had been disbanded at the end of the previous season.

Representatives

Kevin Beardmore, Tony Marchant and David Roockley played for Yorkshire
Grant Anderson, Giles Boothroyd, Kenny Hill, Shaun Irwin and Roy Southernwood played for Great Britain under 21s
Kevin Beardmore, Keith England and Kevin Ward played for Great Britain.
Kevin Beardmore, David Plange and Kevin Ward played for Great Britain in a representative game to commemorate the opening of the Hall of Fame.

Debut this season after joining the club

Mark Gibson utility back Bramley
Clive Yemm prop Wakefield rugby union but did not play first team

Other debuts

Phil Mirfin sub forward
Dean Blankley sub back
Terry McAllister sub back Redhill Juniors
Graham Southernwood hooker Redhill U17s

Last career game played this season and next move

Barry Johnson prop Bramley
David Roockley full-back Scarborough Pirates £5000 in 1991/92
Robert Beardmore scrum-half Leigh £35,000 1989/90

Overseas Short term Contract players

Ron Gibbs second row from Gold Coast giants for first spell. Second spell 1989/90
Gary Belcher full-back Canberra Raiders
Shane Horo wing Auckland New Zealand