Chris Chester provides major update on Ryan Carr future as Castleford saga continues

Chris Chester has suggested that an outcome on Ryan Carr’s future as Castleford Tigers head coach is just days away from being resolved.

Carr has been suspended by the Tigers as they conduct an internal investigation into incidents behind the scenes. Castleford have said in a statement that Carr is currently on a leave of absence due to personal reasons.

But the likelihood of him being in charge of Castleford next year appears to be slim at best. And Chester, who once again stepped in to conduct pre-match press duties ahead of Friday’s game against Hull FC, has suggested the investigation into Carr is drawing to a close.

Ryan Carr outcome imminent

Speaking on Thursday morning, Chester admitted that they expect clarity on Carr’s position to emerge within the next week.

He said: “We’re really hopeful it will come to a conclusion lover the start of the weekend or the start of next week. But there’s nothing really more to add right now, we’ve made a statement already when there is some news to come out we will make sure we let everyone know.”

Chester has insisted the Tigers are not ‘actively’ looking for a replacement for Carr as it stands, with the Australian still officially in position as things stand on Thursday morning. But he did confirm they may try and bring in a new addition to the coaching staff.

“We’re not actively looking for a new head coach,” he said.

“We’re obviously looking for some reinforcements because at the moment I’ve just got one coach and Rob Nickolay who is assisting. We want to try and bring someone in to try and assist and help around the training to allow me to do my day to day job. It’s such an important time of the year in terms of the recruitment and making sure things are in place for the new recruits coming over.

“We just want to get Friday out of the way and we’ll make some calls but we’re not actively looking for a head coach, no.”

Chester insists NRL signings still on way

And Chester once again insisted that he was fully confident St George trio Damien Cook, Mat Feagai and Tyrell Sloan would be on their way to the club next year as expected.

Carr was influential in securing the signatures of the trio, with speculation that if he is not Castleford coach, then they will pull back on their agreements to come to England.

But Chester insisted he has cleared the air with the players, and they have all signed contracts which means they are bound to the Tigers no matter what.

He said: “I’ve spoken to Damien and Tyrell and I’ve spoke to Mat’s agent.

“We’ve had some really positive discussions with those guys, they’re signing for Castleford Tigers and they’re looking forward to coming over in November for the start of pre-season. I know the part Ryan played in bringing those guys over but they’ve signed a contract with Castleford, we can’t wait to see them and we’re really looking forward to seeing them.”

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