It has been a really tough baptism of fire for new Castleford Tigers Head Coach Craig Lingard.
Lingard joined the Tigers midway through last season balancing his time with Batley Bulldogs with being assistant to Andy Last.
When Last was relieved of his duties, it opened up questions of Lingard taking over but the Tigers finished the season under the command of former Super League Grand Final winner Danny Ward.
He didn’t want the job permanently and joined Hull KR replacing Danny McGuire who joined Castleford but reportedly didn’t want the Head Coach role and thus Lingard took on the Head Coach role with McGuire his number two but it has been a rough start.
Castleford Tigers struggle in opening rounds
Credit: Imago Images
The Tigers had the toughest possible task in Round One taking on the Champions Wigan Warriors and they gave them a game until Liam Watts’ controversial sending off.
In Round Two they were pipped by Salford Red Devils before the points shipping truly began in Round Three as they conceded 30 to Warrington Wolves.
But Lingard showed his wrath in Round Four slamming his side after they conceded 50 points to Huddersfield Giants.
The tough results kept coming when the Tigers travelled over to France to take on Catalans Dragons where they lost 40-14.
Tigers relegation concern?
After their defeat to Huddersfield Giants, commentator The Game Caller spoke out on social media suggesting that the Tigers could be bound for the Championship in 2025.
However, Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke disagreed as he said this year was “a free hit because of IMG and the London Broncos.”
London do seem certainties for the drop due to their 2023 IMG ranking of 24th but with clubs like Toulouse Olympique and Wakefield Trinity above Super League sides in the 2023 rankings, there is a chance that more than one club is promoted which would put the Tigers in peril.
They are hoping that their stadium redevelopment and their new investment should give them a significant IMG score boost but the same can be said of Wakefield Trinity in the Championship. It may come down to whether or not Toulouse Olympique outscore Super League clubs.
