Castleford Tigers legend Michael Shenton has weighed in on what new head coach Ryan Carr must prioritize if he is to turn the struggling West Yorkshire side back into a force in Super League. Shenton, who spent 14 years at the club, captained the Tigers, and led them to the League Leaders’ Shield and a Grand Final appearance in 2017, knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the Jungle.
Now working as an assistant coach at Wakefield Trinity, Shenton admitted the task facing Carr is huge but believes the 37-year-old has the tools to succeed. “Ryan Carr has energy, ideas, and experience across both the UK and Australia,” Shenton explained. “But to really make a difference, he needs to be bold with his decisions. This is a chance to build something fresh at Castleford.”
According to Shenton, Carr’s to-do list begins with a squad overhaul.
“For too long, Cas have held on to players past their best. He needs to clear out the dead wood and bring in hungry players who can take the team forward.”
Secondly, the club’s culture must change. “It’s about pride in the shirt. That spirit has been missing in recent years. The players have to believe in what it means to represent Castleford.”
Finally, Shenton pointed to the need for a revitalized attack.
“The Tigers’ scoring record over the past few seasons has been poor. They’ve got talented playmakers like Asi and Hoy, but without a strong forward pack, they’ll always be under pressure. Recruitment in the right areas is absolutely vital.”
With Carr signing a three-year deal, Castleford fans are hoping his arrival will mark the start of a new era. For Shenton, the message is clear: tough decisions and bold leadership are the keys to restoring the Tigers’ roar.
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