Castleford Tigers fell to yet another defeat last night and a season that potentially promised so much is fast becoming a relegation battle against Wakefield Trinity, with the Tigers only victories coming against their relegation rivals as well as Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos.
Thankfully for the Tigers they do still have a gap ahead of Wakefield but it is fast closing and the showdown at Belle Vue on the 18th of August is looking almost certain to be a relegation Grand Final.
Facing a Hull KR side last night that had just gone 82 minutes against Wigan Warriors in one of the most intense Challenge Cup semi-finals in recent history, you’d expected Cas could capitalise against the potentially tired Rovers.
Instead the Robins fired in three tries in eight minutes and despite a mini resurgence before half-time the game was lost just as quickly in the second half with another three quick-fire tries.
Under Andy Last’s leadership, first as a temporary head coach and then eventually as the permanent choice, the Tigers have won four of their 17 league games whilst also exiting the Cup at the first chance.
Last night’s defeat triggered a minor social media meltdown with fans demanding change and questioning what is going wrong at Wheldon Road.
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16-10 at half time to 34-10 after 60 minutes.
Against team that played an intense semi-final 5 days ago.
We are nowhere near a win at the moment; Andy Last clearly cannot get these players to play to anywhere near their ability. https://t.co/tifuOtiEdt— Steve McNichol (@casrugbyshirts) July 28, 2023
One fan noted how quickly the Tigers collapsed having seemingly got back into the game, claiming that the players weren’t meeting their potential.
What does Andy Last say at half time!? 🤦♂️ our middles are pathetic
— Mike Preston (@MikePreston92) July 28, 2023
Another wanted to get a look inside the dressing room at half-time interested in what was being said to the players for them to capitulate so quick after the break.
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I’ve supported Andy Last as much as possible, but it’s getting tougher and tougher to do. Does John Kear fancy an 8 week job?
— Nathan Godfree (@ACN3_) July 28, 2023
The miracle man John Kear was mentioned as a potential alternate to try and save the club’s season and help them maintain their Super League status.
Andy Last steering @CTRLFC into the Championship.
The most uninspiring coach I've ever seen.
(Decent guy I'm sure..but never a head coach). pic.twitter.com/Z4gr25xXRD
— Mattcasfan (@mattcasfan) July 28, 2023
Others took a more comical route of conveying their message.
I will forever follow this Cas team win or Lose.
However we need to see changes.
Riley Dean is struggling like mad along with certain players in our pack. No energy, no power and no enthusiasm in defence.
Against Hudds Last better make the changes.
Running out of time.
— CasTigers Fan (@CraigMurphy2526) July 29, 2023
With just seven games of the season to go one fan felt the Tigers were “running out of time”.
Only a plane flight away
— Adrian Vowles (@AdrianVowles13) July 28, 2023
One appealed for club legend Adrian Vowles to make a return and he teased that he could be on his way.