Castleford Tigers boss Danny McGuire has revealed why a star player won’t feature against Leeds Rhinos tomorrow.
Papua New Guinean international Judah Rimbu was left out of the Tigers side which hammered Salford Red Devils 48-16 last Sunday and isn’t in the 21 named for this weekend’s derby.
Rimbu joined Tigers on a two-year deal in pre-season, having been the Queensland Cup player of the year last term, when he was with PNG Hunters.
He captained his country during the 2024 Pacific Championships, but McGuire admitted he is “down the pecking order” at Castleford and must work hard to win back his place.
“He played for the reserves last night and did a decent job,” McGuire told his weekly preview press conference today (Friday).
“It is part and parcel of the game. I thought Liam Horne came back in and did a really good job last week.
“Judah has got some things he needs to work on and learn and understand. It’s not just about what you do on the field, it is about the package, what you do away from the game.
“Judah is still understanding and learning that and is getting to grips with being a full-time professional.
“He is probably just a little bit down the pecking order at the minute, but through hard work and effort and commitment to the team he will get back in there.”
McGuire stressed: “He will get an opportunity at some point, but at the minute I am happy with Liam Horne playing there [hooker], Chris Atkin can do a job off the bench and Cain Robb’s not too far off. Judah has got to work and wait for his opportunity and I am sure he will do that.”
McGuire also explained why forward George Hill was recalled from his loan spell at Salford this week.
Hill is not in the 21-man squad to face Rhinos and the coach said: “We’ve got a few bumps and bruises, that’s why we’ve recalled George Hill – to give us some cover, competition for places.
“Competition is important, if your performance isn’t where it needs to be, there’s somebody biting at your heels to have an opportunity.”
The Tigers boss confirmed the club are in the market for potential new signings, but said “as far as I am aware” former Man of Steel Jackson Hastings is not a target.
The half-back, who had spells in Super League with Salford and Wigan Warriors, is out of favour at NRL outfit Newcastle Knights and McGuire admitted: “I am a big fan of Jackson, I thought he was brilliant when he was over here. He really took the competition by storm.
“I am not sure of his circumstances at the minute, he is a player I admire, but not one we have really spoken about at the minute.”
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