Ex-Castleford man disagrees with Lee Radford decision unless this is the case

Yesterday Castleford Tigers stunned the rugby league world by parting company with Lee Radford after just three games.

It has caused a lot of debate and one of his former players has now had his say in the shape of James Clare who left the Tigers at the end of last year to go into education.

A great advocate of the game, Clare said that he felt the decision was “a bit premature.”

He told Serious About Rugby League: “I thought it was a bit premature to be honest. I text him to say so as well.

“We had a worse start last season. I think we lost our first five games of the season before we beat Hull FC so yeah it is a bit premature.”

There has been a rumour that part of the decision was the fact Radford had a move to the NRL lined up for next year.

Clare said that this would be the only way he could understand the decision:

“That’s the only way I could understand it, if he was going to the NRL which is a rumour I have heard a lot. I heard it last year but never asked him about it properly so I don’t know for sure.

“But that would make sense I suppose if he was going to the NRL. He did well at the World Cup.

“It would probably benefit the players too because if you know a coach isn’t going to be there next year and you’re playing for a new contract it can take away a bit of spark.

“That happened for us when Daryl Powell was in his last season in 2021 before going to Warrington Wolves.

“So from that point of view that would make sense because then the players know who will be in charge of contracts and stuff like that.”