Danny McGuire opens up on ‘shock’ Hull KR exit amid Willie Peters’ praise

Current Castleford Tigers coach Danny McGuire has spoken about his sudden and ‘shock’ exit from Hull KR in late 2023.

McGuire, who had joined the Robins five years earlier as a player before becoming an assistant coach, left Craven Park on the eve of the 2023 Super League play-offs with little to no warning.

Reacting at the time to his Hull KR exit, McGuire posted a short statement on social media thanking the fans and the club whilst KR’s chief executive Paul Lakin offered thanks for McGuire’s service as well.

He would quickly make the switch to the Jungle, joining Castleford Tigers as an assistant coach but McGuire has now opened up on his Craven Park exit, including the reasons behind it, as well as why Willie Peters is such a good head coach.

Speaking on The Bench Podcast to Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin, McGuire explained: “It was tough because I was really enjoying it and I thought I was part of this long-term process that the club had spoken about. I saw myself in this journey where we were improving and had changed the environment.

“The club was getting better with more sponsorship and I felt like I’d been a decent influence on that. I’d played my part in this.”

“Out of the blue” – Danny McGuire lifts lid on Hull KR exit

Admitting that he is ‘cool with it now’, McGuire explained that he wasn’t so cool at the time with the timing of the exit being one of the things he noted.

He explained: “I think it was the timing of it, it was just before the play-off game against Leigh and I think it could have been done a little bit better but I understand.

“It was a case of ‘we’re going a different way’. It was Paul (Lakin) and Willie and it was tough but that’s sport and it happens.”

McGuire admitted: “I can’t put all the blame on the club, I had some things going on in my personal life that probably didn’t help so it wasn’t one-sided but it was a bit disappointing and a bit of a shock.”

He also spoke on his time at Hull KR, particularly the year he spent with Willie Peters as he praised the Australian for the impact he had on his own coaching career.

“I loved the year with Willie, I really enjoyed it,” McGuire said, adding: “In that year, I probably learned more than I did for ten years at the back end of my career and during the early part of my coaching.

“His work ethic and the way he went about things. His passion, his commitment and his detail, it was such a great year. He works his assistants hard, he’s demanding.”

Despite that, the pair split and McGuire conceded: “There was a couple of things that happened, just differences of opinions on things which happens in coaching and in life.

“I felt like it was okay and that we’d work together for the rest of the year but it came a bit out of the blue.”

McGuire was speaking ahead of last Thursday’s clash with Hull KR, which his Castleford Tigers side lost 48-0.