Super League star could be set for shock exit

Ash Handley at Leeds Rhinos, Liam Marshall at Wigan Warriors, Matty Ashton at Warrington Wolves, Josh Charnley at Leigh Leopards, Ryan Hall at Hull KR and the likes of Tommy Makinson and Tom Johnstone; Super League is full of top tier wingers right now.

But all the names above can’t claim to have scored as many tries as Greg Eden of the Castleford Tigers in a single season.

Eden scored tries for fun in 2017 and has shown that killer instinct time and again on the flank despite being in and out of the side through injury.

However, his future is still unclear for next year as he said on BBC Radio Leeds:

“There is an option, I’m unsure whether it has been activated yet but I’m sure it will be decided in the next couple of weeks.

“At the minute I’m just trying to get this club safe and play the last few games and get the wins.

Asked if he’s not quite sure what’s happening next year:

“Yeah, there’s a few people in that boat but that’s obviously the stress of rugby league isn’t it? No one knows it we’re going down, staying up or what’s happening, so we’ve just got to put that to the side and try get to the end of the season and win.”

It probably won’t be in the hands of new boss Danny Ward with his future also unclear.

In his playing days, Ward began his Super League career with Leeds, featuring in their 2004 Super League Grand Final victory and in the Rhinos’ World Club Challenge success in 2005.

A move to the Tigers followed in 2006, with a highlight of his year at Wheldon Road coming against Leeds where he raced clear from halfway to score a memorable try.

Ward also featured for Hull KR and Harlequins before moving into coaching with the London club, firstly as academy coach in 2014. The 43-year-old was then named assistant the following year and was promoted to head coach of the Broncos ahead of the 2018 season.

London tasted success under Ward that year, going all the way to the Million Pound Game and achieved promotion by edging out Toronto Wolfpack by 4 points to 2.

When talking to castlefordtigers.com for the first time as the Club’s new Head Coach, Ward began by putting forward his delight at taking up the role at The Jungle.

“I am buzzing and made up with the appointment. I am proud to be able to lead such a fantastic club which I have played for and have lots of happy memories at. It’s a proud moment for me to be given that opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s exciting and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve always wanted to get back coaching at the top level and I back myself to be coaching at that level as well. I’m thankful for Cas to give me that opportunity to coach back in Super League and I’m hoping I can do a good job in a short space of time.”

Having represented the Fords as a player, Ward is more than aware of the club’s proud tradition and support which is something he affirms will ease the transition of moving back to the Tigers, this time as a coach.

“It’s a proud club with a rich history in the way they like to play rugby. There are no more passionate fans than at Cas and they are some of the best supporters in the league. That knowledge of the club will help because I know people there already and I know a few of the players which will make the transition easier so I can hit the ground running.”