Steadman welcomes Super League to Edinburgh
Former Castleford coach Graham Steadman is looking forward to seeing the Tigers in action at his new stomping ground at Murrayfield.
Now the Scotland rugby union’s assistant defence coach, Steadman believes there’s no better place to enjoy a festival of rugby league than the Edinburgh stadium.
He said: “Having worked in the area for the last 18 months, I know that it’s a superb location and a very beautiful city.
“There’s a top quality programme of rugby league on offer and the fans have got the added bonus of venturing out around the sites and attractions of Edinburgh. The pubs, clubs and hospitality of the city are absolutely first rate, and it’s a great location to travel to.”
“The atmosphere at Murrayfield is tremendous,” said Steadman. “The groundstaff deserve a lot of credit too, because they’ve put in a lot of work to get the pitch in the best possible shape and that should really benefit the Rugby League lads. It sets things up for a cracking weekend.
“Last year I went with my son, so I know how good it is, and there were 6,500 Scottish supporters as well. I’m sure they’ll be back again to experience another wonderful event in 2010.”
It is six years since Steadman was Head Coach at the Tigers but the former Great Britain international and Castleford Hall of Fame inductee retains close links with the 13-man code.
“I’ve just been down to Castleford recently for the Crusaders game, while my son went to the Barrow match,” he said.
“I keep in touch with Terry Matterson, Brian Noble and Richard Agar to keep on top of what’s happening in Rugby League, particularly from a defensive point of view. I can pick up bits of knowledge that we can implement in union, but I’ve still got a close relationship with Rugby League and it’s a game that’s very special to me.
“The fixture against Catalans in this year’s Magic Weekend has probably come at a good time for Castleford. They’ve had a bit of a lean spell but the Magic Weekend means they can get away together for a few days and really bond as a team.
“Terry Matterson will be looking for a performance from them to begin with, and if they get that right then the result will look after itself. It’s a very important stage of the season.”