New Castleford coach looking to add creativity to his squad

James Gordon
Andy Last Castleford Tigers SWpix

Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

New Castleford coach Andy Last says he’s already looking at adding creativity to his squad for next season, and hasn’t ruled out further additions for the current campaign.

Last will take charge of the Tigers as permanent head coach for the first time against Hull KR on Friday night, having taken charge of six games as interim head coach.

Two of those games – against Leeds and Wakefield – have ended in victory and has kept them away from basement boys Trinity.

There has already been some movement in the squad since the announcement, with Jason Qareqare going out on loan to Bradford and the confirmation that hooker Jacques O’Neill will return to the club, having left last year for a stint on reality TV show Love Island.

Last told Sky Sports when asked about new additions: “Never say never. The club always has an eye on the market and loan players, if someone comes available that can help us, then we can make a move.

“What’s important is making sure your players understand what you need, making sure our skill levels are good and that we play with more freedom, and not play within ourselves. We’ve got some strike players on the edge and next year we’ll be looking to freshen up the team with some more creativity.

“I’ve confidence in the current group. They’re not playing as well as they can, hopefully they can play a lot better tonight.

“I’m proud to be the leader of this club, I want players to be proud to play for the club, and I want everyone associated to be proud of the club.”

Last has inherited an ageing squad from previous coach Lee Radford, and there’s an admittance that the club is heading for a transition with multiple players off contract.

For the Hull KR game, Last is handing a debut to Will Tate, who will face his former club. Luis Johnson, on loan from Hull KR, has been named as 18th man.

Tate, 21, scored three tries in nine appearances for Hull KR last season and joined the Tigers on a two and a half year deal earlier this month.

Jack Broadbent has been named at stand-off alongside Jacob Miller in the absence of Gareth Widdop through illness.

There is no Niall Evalds, so Greg Eden starts at full-back with Bureta Faraimo and Mahe Fonua on the wings.

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