Castleford Tigers boss Danny McGuire makes Wakefield Trinity admission and Hull KR ‘set up’ joke

Castleford Tigers head coach Danny McGuire has given his verdict on Super League opponents ahead of the 2025 season.

The Leeds Rhinos legend has become head coach of Castleford Tigers after being assistant coach to Craig Lingard during the 2024 season.

Until 2024, he was Super League’s highest-ever try scorer, and he ended his Leeds career with an excellent performance in the Grand Final against the club he now coaches.

This week, the fixture list for the new season was announced, meaning clubs now know the dates of when they’ll be facing each opponent.

Castleford Tigers head coach Danny McGuire gives his verdict on opening day and rivalries

On the first day of the season, the Tigers will face Hull KR, the side that McGuire ended his playing career with, as well as the side that he was part of in a coaching capacity until joining the Tigers for the 2024 season.

“Yeah, I think somebody set that up,” he joked, speaking to BBC Sport West Yorkshire.

“I think with myself, Brett Delaney and Scott Murrell (his assistant coaches) all having connections with Rovers, it’s a brilliant fixture. It’s a really good fixture. I absolutely loved my time at Hull KR.

“It’s probably the most enjoyable five, six years that I had there. I loved it. Great club and great people. I’ve got lots of great friends still there.

“I think it’s a really tasty first fixture and a tough fixture as well. I think they showed last year what a quality team and a quality environment they’ve got there, so a really big challenge for us first up – but will give us a good indication of where we are.”

Last year, with Wakefield Trinity in the RFL Championship, Castleford didn’t have their usual closest derby, with a game against Leeds Rhinos during Rivals Round instead.

Asked whether he was pleased that the fixture is back, McGuire said: “Yeah, I think so.

“I’ve been involved in Leeds and Bradford derbies, I’ve been involved in probably the biggest derby, but it’s really nice to see Wakey keep progressing.

“I think the new owner there is doing a fantastic job, he’s making a statement, he’s making people talk about Wakefield which is really good.

“I feel we as a club, with our ambitions now, with Martin (Jepson) taking over and the club wanting to progress and move forward, it fits nicely for the derby. And I think there’s one early on as well, which is good.”

He added: “I’ve got some connections with some of the coaches there and Daryl Powell coached me at Leeds.

“So yeah, it’ll be brilliant and it’s really nice to see Wakefield back in the competition.”