PAUL ROWLEY has revealed he is looking to add some extra faces to his Castleford Tigers staff, whilst also reaffirming Luke Robinson and Simon Grix as assistant coaches.
Rowley joined the Tigers on a three-year deal earlier this month following Ryan Carr’s departure as the Tigers look to steer away from the lower ends of the Super League table.
Former Huddersfield Giants coach Robinson and Grix, who will join after holding the same role at Hull FC, had already been appointed as assistants, and Rowley is excited to work with both men – even if he does want more of his own staff involved.
“I know ‘Grixy’ and I know Luke.They’ve both dipped their toe in the head coach arena, so that’s invaluable learnings for them along their coaching journey,” Rowley said.
“They’re both ambitious coaches, so I’m looking forward to working with those two lads.
“I’ll try and bring a couple of bodies in, in whatever department that may be. Having a couple of henchmen at the side who know how I think and can deliver my messages makes the job a lot easier.
“The sooner we get up and running and start building a relationship of trust, fun, and friendship, the further we’ll go. If Cas loses, we all lose, but if Cas wins, we all win.”
Castleford has often been a breeding ground for young talent, but that has somewhat gone by the wayside in recent seasons.
And Rowley is keen to turn that around.
“If you look at the top clubs and the perennial achievers in Super League, they have a layer of players, squad numbers 25 to 30, who are next coming through the ranks,” Rowley continued.
“Wigan are probably the benchmark – when their young boys take to that field they’re ready, aren’t they?
“I think it’s fair to say that most clubs in Super League have really got a focus in that area and we’re behind in that respect.
“But speaking to Chris [Chester, director of rugby], there’s a big focus on developing and highlighting our own youngsters and making sure they have a valuable and realistic pathway through.
“My hands will be full with the first team, but I’ll certainly be casting an eye and be keen to look and know who’s shining in the pathway system. That’s important, and it can’t be neglected.”
