Andy Last makes big changes including bold call in key position

Castleford Tigers kicked off the week with the huge news that they had relieved head coach Lee Radford of his duties.

In a statement posted to the club website it was announced that both Radford and the club had agreed to part ways after just three games of the 2023 season.

The statement from the club website read as follows.

“Castleford Tigers can confirm that Lee Radford has been relieved of his First Team duties by mutual agreement.

“Assistant Coach Andy Last will take charge of the First Team for the Fords’ upcoming fixture at Huddersfield Giants on Friday night.

“Everyone at the Club would like to thank Lee for his time in charge of the First Team.

“The Club’s Board of Directors will now begin the search for its next permanent Head Coach and would ask everyone to get behind Andy Last and the team in the interim period.”

Radford also added: “With the club and myself heading in different directions, I think making this early call will be the correct one. Hopefully, it can kick start their season starting this Friday away at Huddersfield.

“I’d like to thank on record the fans, management, coaching staff, and players and wish them all the best for 2023 and beyond.”

Last has now picked his first Castleford side and has moved Jack Broadbent to fullback to replace Niall Evalds.

Jason Qareqare and Alex Sutcliffe come into the backline as well.

Daniel Smith is on the bench having been out of favour towards the end of the Lee Radford era.

Paul McShane is absent and George Lawler stands in as the hooker with Adam Milner on the bench.