2023 Season Review: Castleford Tigers

7 Nov 2023

Castleford Tigers' 2023 season is perhaps best summed up by the fact that three different head coaches were in charge during a rollercoaster campaign.

It started with Lee Radford at the helm after an overhaul of the club's squad. But the former Hull FC boss made a shock exit after just three matches - all defeats - with his assistant Andy Last taking charge, initially on an interim basis.

"With the club and myself heading in different directions, I think making this early call will be the correct one," Radford said.

Last oversaw a first win of the season in his second game at the helm against Leeds at the Mend-a-Hose Jungle, and a gutsy loss at Catalans and then a second win at home to rivals Wakefield suggested that the Tigers might be able to claw their way away from the lower reaches.

But six straight defeats then set the tone for the rest of the season, with Cas scoring just one try in five of those matches as their attack - hit by injuries to key playmakers - struggled to find any real cohesion. That run included a comprehensive home Betfred Challenge Cup exit to Hull FC, effectively making Super League survival the team's sole target for the remainder of the season.

"It's tough times for us," Last admitted after the game.

"We've got to galvanise, work hard and stick together. It's quite clear that we aren't good enough at the moment. We're low on confidence and have too many players out of form."

Magic Weekend provided a genuine high when Jason Qareqare's late try sealed a second win over rivals the Rhinos.

Think Andy Last enjoyed that one @CTRLFC ? pic.twitter.com/DitqjYbcXH
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 3, 2023

"We spoke about being together and working our way through the tough times we've faced this year," Last said.

"That was a real show of togetherness and unity."

Two weeks later Cas won at home to Warrington with Qareqare touching down again and Gareth Widdop kicking 11 points against his former club. But that would prove to be Last's final win in charge.

Five straight losses, culminating in a 0-28 home defeat to Huddersfield, saw the Tigers board part company with another coach, with one eye undoubtedly on the upcoming showdown at Wakefield.

Just days later, Danny Ward was announced as the third head coach of the season, with Australian Dane Dorahy as his assistant. The pair were also joined by an influx of mid-season signings made around that time, with Leeds halfback Blake Austin among them.

Former Harlequins boss and Tigers player Ward said at the time: "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.

"I know a few of the players which will make the transition easier so I can hit the ground running."

Ward's first match was the trip to Trinity, and he oversaw a crucial 28-12 win in front of the Sky Sports cameras that kept daylight between the Tigers and Wakefield that ultimately would not be closed.

Brilliant from Wallis ? Foster finishes ?@CTRLFC are in control of this one ?#SuperLeague #SLWakCas pic.twitter.com/JZagyr3n60
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 18, 2023

Another win, 29-12 at home to Hull FC, effectively sealed survival, although the season finished with heavy defeats at Wigan and Leeds to leave more questions than answers ahead of 2024.

"It was very disappointing to go out the way we did - without any fight or urgency," Ward noted following the Leeds loss.

"I know it's been a tough year for everyone involved, but that was a tough one tonight."

Joe Westerman was again the Tigers' most consistent performer over the course of the campaign, with George Lawler and George Griffin willing workers alongside him in the pack and back rowers Alex Mellor and Kenny Edwards near ever-presents.

Jack Broadbent became an integral member of the squad across a number of positions, while youngsters Qareqare and Sam Hall continued their development, hinting at a brighter future.

With another high turnover of players - the departures list reached double figures - and another new coach at the helm, the club now faces the task of rebuilding again next year. Everyone connected with the Tigers will hope they can successfully do that.

Key man

When the Tigers handed out their end of season awards, one player stood out - loose forward Joe Westerman. The experienced back rower yet again produced a season of quality and industry in the middle of the field, maintaining his level of performance no matter what the scoreboard read. Westerman remains one of the most influential players in the competition and an integral part of the Castleford side.

? The Final award of the night; The Player of the Year

It goes to our no.1??3??, Joe Westerman! Congrats Westy!

? HH Construction#COYF pic.twitter.com/kHbgZ7cojc
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) September 16, 2023

Rising star

Still only 21, Jack Broadbent has a shrewd head on young shoulders and grew into his role at the Tigers following his switch from Leeds. The former Rhinos starlet played in several different positions when injuries hit the squad, including at stand-off early in the season, when he helped secure a vital home win over Wakefield. Equally at home in the three-quarters, he became one of the leaders in the team despite his age.

Season highlight

Take your pick from the crucial, gritty win at Wakefield in Round 22, the 29-12 triumph over Hull FC three weeks later or Gareth O'Brien's golden point winner for Leigh over Trinity last month. Each of the three contributed to the Tigers' Super League survival, secured after Danny Ward was appointed as their third coach of a generally tumultuous season. In each case relief was the overriding emotion rather than elation, but those closing weeks of the campaign have given the club a platform to rebuild on.