The dust has barely settled on Danny McGuire’s shock sacking, and already the Castleford Tigers have begun their search for a new head coach—with four Australian names emerging as serious contenders for the role.
According to The Mole via Wide World of Sports, the Tigers have cast their net wide, with interest reportedly in Jason Demetriou, Ryan Carr, Justin Morgan, and Blake Green as potential candidates to take the reins at The Jungle.
The departure of McGuire, who was serving in an interim capacity, came just weeks after growing pressure and inconsistent performances left Castleford floundering at the bottom end of the Super League table. While fans have expressed frustration, there is also hope that a strong, experienced leader could now bring much-needed direction.
Among the most prominent names is Jason Demetriou, the former South Sydney Rabbitohs boss. Demetriou, who parted ways with Souths after a turbulent campaign, is known for his tactical intelligence and leadership, having worked closely with Wayne Bennett during his coaching apprenticeship.
Ryan Carr, currently serving as assistant at the St George Illawarra Dragons, is another highly-rated figure. Carr previously coached Featherstone Rovers and is no stranger to the English game, making him a familiar name among UK rugby league circles. His development-focused approach could appeal to a Castleford side looking to rebuild from the ground up.
Also on the shortlist is Justin Morgan, currently the number two at North Queensland Cowboys. A seasoned figure in both hemispheres, Morgan previously coached Hull KR and has a strong understanding of Super League culture—something Castleford’s board is likely to consider crucial.
The final name linked is Blake Green, assistant coach at the Newcastle Knights and a former halfback who enjoyed a playing spell in Super League with Wigan and Hull KR. While Green is seen as a bright young coaching prospect, reports suggest he may be holding out for a potential vacancy at Newcastle, should current head coach Adam O’Brien be relieved of his duties.
“Blake is ambitious and has a great football brain,” one Australian league insider told The Mole. “But if the Knights job opens up, there’s a feeling he’ll want to stay and step up there.”
Castleford’s front office, led by new owner Martin Jepson and director of rugby Chris Chester, is expected to take its time to make a calculated decision. The club knows this appointment is about more than a quick fix—it’s about long-term identity and culture.
A club spokesperson commented, “We’re in the process of speaking with several high-quality candidates. We understand the importance of this role for the future of Castleford Tigers and are committed to making the right decision.”
As the shortlist takes shape and talks progress, Tigers fans are watching with cautious optimism. After years of managerial turnover and disappointing results, the hope is that the next man in charge can finally steer the club toward stability—and success.
For now, the speculation swirls, but one thing is clear: Castleford’s next chapter is about to begin.
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