
Castleford Tigers head coach Danny McGuire admits his side are potentially being looked at as victims of an “ambush” in the upcoming Third Round of the Challenge Cup.
McGuire has led Castleford in two pre-season games with the Tigers tasting defeat in both as they lost to Wakefield Trinity 32-8 and Hull FC 16-10, however, they’re eager to get a win on the board next weekend in the first competitive game of his reign at Wheldon Road.
Having taken over from Craig Lingard at the end of the 2024 season, McGuire has brought on board his own coaching staff with ex-Leeds Rhinos teammate Brett Delaney dubbed as the “best defensive coach in Super League” by the former playmaker.
There have also been a host of signings from Down Under including three NRL recruits and the highly-rated Judah Rimbu from the Queensland Cup. Despite that, the ex-Leeds man believes that his side is being touted as victims of a “potential ambush” in next week’s Challenge Cup tie.
They will take on Championship favourites Bradford Bulls who have looked very impressive in their pre-season under Brian Noble whilst also recruiting several former Super League players, most notably Waqa Blake from St Helens.
“It’s big, I’m excited for it, I wish I could play,” McGuire admitted when he spoke to the media after his side’s loss to Hull FC, a game that served as Joe Westerman’s testimonial.
Castleford Tigers boss wary of Challenge Cup ‘ambush’
FC take the win at the Jungle.#COYF pic.twitter.com/j60DKAo2ef
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) February 1, 2025
The Tigers lost that game 16-10 with McGuire noting “positives” to be taken but also admitting to “criminal” lapses as well. He reinforced that point when speaking about the upcoming Challenge Cup clash, set to be hosted at Odsal on Sunday, February 9th.
McGuire said: “I just said to the boys then that there’s some good signs and things that we’re doing well and we’re going to get straight in the face again next week with a really tough Challenge Cup game so almost start thinking about that now.
“That’s how important it is, I’m asking the lads to start thinking about it and preparing for what’s going to be a tough game over there.”
He even referenced the BBC coverage as a nod to the fact that some could see the game as one in which the Super League side slip to defeat.
The 42-year-old said: “The BBC have picked it so they think there’s a potential ambush on there so we have to be ready for that ambush and ready to fight back.
“That’s what we’ll do.”
