Yorkshire | Castleford appoint new manager for next season

After a difficult campaign, Castleford Tigers are already planning ahead for next season

They have appointed Ryan Carr as their new head coach on a three-year deal.

Author | Terri Woodford

The 37-year-old Australian, currently an assistant to Shane Flanagan at NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons, will take over the Super League club from the start of the 2026 season.

Cas sacked Danny McGuire as head coach in July after he won just four of his 18 games in charge. 

In an interview with the club’s media outlets, Carr expressed his excitement at the challenge that awaits him. This is certainly a challenge after the performances from this campaign.

Is this a good appointment for Castleford Tigers? More reaction to come on Super Local Sports News. Superlocalnews.blogspot.com

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— Super News Affiliate (@eurosuperfootball.bsky.social) 21 August 2025 at 14:37

A testing backdrop

Tigers are 10th in the Super League table after losing 17 of their 22 games this year. Carr has previously coached in England with Featherstone Rovers and Leeds Rhinos. He has also worked under Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur and had a spell as interim head coach of the Illawarra Dragons in 2023.

The backing of those behind the scenes

The club’s director of rugby Chris Chester, who is leading the team until the end of this season, told the media: "He's a highly thought about coach who has a great knowledge of the game and a great work ethic."

Fans weigh in

Among supporters, the mood is one of cautious optimism. Many feel Carr deserves a chance, with one fan remarking that he surely cannot do worse than some of his predecessors. Others recall his impressive work at previous clubs, calling it a good appointment, though there is widespread acknowledgement that he will need to deliver something close to a miracle with the current squad.