The season was to start without Paris St Germain, who had been omitted due to financial problems after only one season, although they were given the opportunity to rejoin in 1999 if they sorted themselves out. Huddersfield Giants took their place.

Hickson, after a 12 year stint as club main sponsor decided to concentrate more on junior development and were replaced by Clear Sport.

Optimism was high in the club for the pre-season Challenge Cup, especially after going to cup favourites Leeds and winning 15–12. The last minute victory gaining try by Andrew Schick from an Adrian Vowles high kick sent Castleford supporters into raptures and was talked about for many a year. The next round brought second favourites Bradford Bulls down the lane but they were seen off 26–21. The quarter-final brought Sheffield Eagles to Castleford and more incident that was talked of for many years. The punch by Keith Senior that laid out and ended the game for BJ Mather after he had scored his second try was followed by Senior scoring two tries as Sheffield won 32-22. He later received a four match suspension, which was harsh justice when Sheffield went on to win the cup and Castleford were left to rue what might have been.

From the league season start form was in and out. After an opening day 4-18 defeat at Wigan a pattern settled for the next 12 games of 1 win followed by 2 defeats. Included in those wins was an 18–8 victory at Salford, where Castleford posted their first away win in the league for almost 2 years. Speculation over coach Stuart Raper's future wouldn't have helped but he did sign a 1 year contract extension in June to restore some stability.

July saw the game on the road as all clubs played a match in a development area, with Castleford playing Warrington at Cardiff Arms Park, and scoring a late 23–16 win for their first ever Super League victory over Warrington. A follow up win over Leeds by 22–16 broke the win/loss pattern but it then returned briefly with 2 defeats. However the season ended on a flourish with only 1 defeat in the last 6 games, and a mighty 32–32 draw at St Helens with a Dean Sampson 10 minute hat-trick, the only one scored all season.

The record was P23 W10 D1 L12 to finish 6th from 12. In all 26 games were played and 25 players used.

In September, Wakefield Council gave Castleford permission for a new ground at Whitwood.

Dean Sampson had a pre-season friendly as part of his testimonial and was treated with a crowd of 4000 to swell his fund.

Off the field, the new season saw the appointment from Cronulla of Australian Marketing Manager Michael McDonald and Monique Baumann, who later became Mrs McDonald. They introduced many new ideas, including a vibrant match day experience.

The salary cap was now introduced at a level of 50% of a clubs income. It had led to Castleford having to cut the wage bill and the squad was reduced from 34 to 25.

Both Barrie-Jon Mather and Michael Smith left the club at season end, for Sale RU and Hull respectively. Mather rejoined in 2000 from Sale and Smith in 2001 from York. Mather finally left at 2002 season end and Smith left for St Helens at 2004 season end.

Representatives

Paul Smith played for Yorkshire Academy
Danny Orr played for Emerging England
Jason Critchley played for Wales
Jason Flowers played for Scotland
Gael Tallec played for France

Debut this season after joining the club

Michael Smith second row Canterbury Bulldogs Australia
Francis Maloney centre Oldham Bears
Barrie Jon Mather centre Perth Reds Australia
Danny Ellison wing Wigan
Gael Tallec French second row Wigan

Other debuts

Jamie Benn sub back Castleford Academy
Gareth Dobson sub forward Castleford Academy

Last career game played this season and next move

Jason Critchley centre Newport Rugby Union
Mike Ford scrum-half released to coach Bramley. First left end of 1993/94 to South Queensland Crushers then rejoined 1997 from Wakefield
Richard Mckell prop released
Andrew Schick second row released to Keighley
Richard Russell hooker released to Bramley
David Chapman centre released to Keighley
Martin Hall hooker one month contract from Wigan

Loan Players

Out- Jamie Benn full back York then Keighley
Out- Gareth Dobson hooker York
Out- Spencer Hargrave second row York
Out- Andy Hill second row York later permanent
Out- Ian Tonks prop Keighley
Out- Steve Hill prop York later permanent but didn’t play first team
In- Martin Hall hooker one month contract from Wigan