Castleford Tigers’ Danny McGuire on first impressions, expectations and week one of pre-season

Castleford Tigers head coach Danny McGuire has given his impressions after week one of pre-season whilst outlining his expectations.

McGuire ascended from assistant to head coach at the start of the off-season as investor Martin Jepson moved to take majority control of the club. The businessman quickly put his stamp on things and outlined the standards by removing Craig Lingard and helping McGuire assemble a staff that includes his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Brett Delaney.

Signings have followed too with half-back Daejarn Asi and Papua New Guinean hooker Judah Rimbu signed up, although neither are in pre-season training yet. For Rimbu, that’s because he has been representing PNG which showcases his quality.

Now, days into the pre-season, McGuire has given his first impressions on how the squad went whilst also being asked what fans can expect of Castleford Tigers in 2025.

He would not be drawn on any ‘bold or brash statements’ in response to the second question but did outline what exactly he will demand of his squad in a determined message that is sure to please Castleford Tigers plans.

‘Push them to extremes’ – Castleford Tigers worked hard in week one as McGuire takes the reins

In a video shared by the club on their X account, McGuire was asked how the first few days of pre-season have gone and the answer was overwhelmingly positive.

“We’ve worked the players hard, as expected in pre-season but they’ve all been amazing to be honest with you,” the recently-appointed Castleford Tigers boss explained, adding: “I’ve been really impressed. They took on every challenge, and stood up to every challenge.”

Currently, the squad is made up of homegrown talent with just a handful of overseas stars such as Tex Hoy involved given that the aforementioned Rimbu represented Papua New Guinea alongside Liam Horne and Sylvester Namo.

That’s put the spotlight on some of the younger players, who McGuire was full of praise for as he detailed the intensity of the work so far.

“We’ve really tried to push them to extremes. They’ve handled it really well. I’ve been impressed with the young boys that have come off the academy as well. I think they’ve handled themselves really well and the senior boys have stood up as well.

“It’s been a really pleasing week. We’ll finish it off tomorrow with another tough session, a more recessional but it’s been a really good start.

What can Cas fans expect under Danny McGuire?

McGuire would continue to speak with energy on his new role with particular nods for both Fletcher Rooney and Jenson Windley as two players he loves coaching, possibly hinting at an expanded role for the pair in 2025.

However, he was also asked about the expectations for 2025 with the Tigers looking to improve on a series of lowly Super League finishes in recent years, something that Castleford fans have sadly become accustomed to.

Responding, McGuire said: “I mean I’m not going to make a bold or brash statement, I think the proof will be in performances and the attitude and the effort that we see week in and week out from the players.

“The results and where we finish up will take care of itself. I just want to produce and be part of a team that represents the badge well and is committed and will fight and do everything possible to get the win.”

He’d go further and explain how he intends to bring that about as he outlined what he will demand of his players and what it takes to earn a place in a Danny McGuire-coached team.

The ex-Rhinos man said: “I’m not daft enough to think that we’re going to win every game, but we’re going to be challenging and we’re going to be fighting every last second of each and every game. That’s all I ask of my players.

“Everything technically and tactically is ongoing and we’ll just keep working on that. That’s an ongoing process, but the commitment and effort. That’s a non-negotiable if you’re going to play in my team.”