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First Castleford Tigers’ squad since Lee Radford sacking announced with youngster returning

Castleford Tigers kicked off the week with the huge news that they had relieved head coach Lee Radford of his duties.

In a statement posted to the club website it was announced that both Radford and the club had agreed to part ways after just three games of the 2023 season.

The statement from the club website read as follows.

“Castleford Tigers can confirm that Lee Radford has been relieved of his First Team duties by mutual agreement.

“Assistant Coach Andy Last will take charge of the First Team for the Fords’ upcoming fixture at Huddersfield Giants on Friday night.

“Everyone at the Club would like to thank Lee for his time in charge of the First Team.

“The Club’s Board of Directors will now begin the search for its next permanent Head Coach and would ask everyone to get behind Andy Last and the team in the interim period.”

Radford also added: “With the club and myself heading in different directions, I think making this early call will be the correct one. Hopefully, it can kick start their season starting this Friday away at Huddersfield.

“I’d like to thank on record the fans, management, coaching staff, and players and wish them all the best for 2023 and beyond.”

And so the Andy Last era begins, at least until an official confirmation or appointment is made, and Last has named his first 21-man squad for the Tigers visit to the John Smith Stadium to face Huddersfield.

Andy Last also assumed this care-taker style role when Radford was relieved of his duties at Hull FC so he’s no stranger to naming squads and he has selected an almost unchanged 21-man squad.

Young Jason Qareqare who was been away on dual registration comes in for full-back Niall Evalds, who Lee Radford had mentioned in his last presser had injured his shoulder.

Qareqare shone at times last season and the youngster returns in the hope of bringing some much needed energy to the Tigers.

Castleford will be looking for a first win of the season following defeats to Hull FC, St Helens and then the blowout 36-0 loss at the Jungle to Wigan Warriors.

In Huddersfield they’ll face a stiff test as the Giants made their home stadium somewhat of a fortress last season losing only once.

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