How Shaun Wane and Paul Wellens will help Castleford Tigers in 2023 according to coach

On New Year’s Eve, assistant coach Andy Last took charge of the Castleford Tigers’ in the absence of Lee Radford who was enjoying some holiday after helping Samoa to the Rugby League World Cup Final.

As Radford worked with Samoa, Last was working with England and he believes the experiences he had working with the likes of ex-Wigan Warriors boss and now England coach Shaun Wane as well as new St Helens boss Paul Wellens and former Huddersfield Giants coach Paul Anderson will help Last and the Tigers in 2023.

He explained as such when speaking to Sky Sports:

“I’ve learnt a great deal from Shaun and other members of the coaching staff I’ve worked alongside such as Paul Wellens and Paul Anderson, the medical team, the S&C staff who are first class in what they do,” Last said.

“A really big thing for myself was learning from international players…high-profile players and picking their brains over lunch, breakfast, and in the team room. Speaking to them on different aspects of the game was great for my learning and something which I’ll hold very close to my heart.

“It was six to eight weeks with a group of blokes I’m sure in years to come, you’ll share those memories and look back on with fondness.

“Just generally, Lee spoke about world-class players and their appetite for learning and improving hard on a day-to-day basis. That was a real eye-opener for me with the England boys.”