Castleford Tigers return to the field as Danny McGuire era begins

Castleford Tigers have returned to the field ahead of the 2025 season, which will be their first with Danny McGuire as head coach.

Last year was far from positive in terms of results, with the side finishing in 10th position, only ahead of Hull FC and London Broncos.

It was the first season under head coach Craig Lingard, who spoke of a ‘three-year plan’ before being sacked after just one.

He has been replaced by his assistant coach Danny McGuire, who is one of the most successful players in Super League history, with the club surely hoping he can have the kind of effect that Sam Burgess has had at Warrington Wolves at the start of his own career as a head coach.

They’ll be bolstered with a trio of talent from Down Under in 2025, with versatile back Zac Cini and half Daejarn Asi from Parramatta Eels being joined by Judah Rimbu, a hooker who has shone for PNG in the international window which culminated at the weekend.

Castleford Tigers return to the field to begin Danny McGuire era

Now, the team have returned to training to start their preparations for 2025, with McGuire taking charge of their first pre-season training sessions.

Most overseas players weren’t present, which included new signings Asi, Cini and Rimbu, while players who have been away on international duty were also not involved, meaning Liam Horne and Sylvester Namo didn’t take part after their own impressive performances – with Namo a surprise name on the PNG scoresheet on a few occasions.

The players were sent on runs across 3G astro by the new head coach, in an attempt both to get players back up to speed and also to gauge their fitness levels before more heavy contact training in the coming days and weeks.

The focus will, when everyone is together, be to integrate the new signings as early as possible ahead of the start of 2025.