Castleford Tigers have appointed charismatic ex- Hull KR stand-off Scott Murrell to their coaching staff.
He joins as the club’s reserve team head coach but will also assist their Super League squad. Murrell, 37, retired at the end of last season having helped Keighley Cougars win League 1. He had been their assistant coach and also worked in the same role when he played for Championship Halifax.
But Murrell, who started out in Leeds Rhinos’ academy, is best remembered for some stellar times as a crafty playmaker with KR in Super League. On his move to Lee Radford’s Castleford, he said: “I am really looking forward to it. I’ve been speaking to Radders, Andy Last and Danny Wilson over the last few weeks and I can’t wait to get involved and get stuck in with the Tigers.
“My main role will be as the reserves head coach which will be all about looking after the next generation of Cas players coming through. I will also be assisting Radders and Lasty with the first team on a day-to-day basis. I’ve been coaching for a few years now because I was player/assistant coach at Halifax and also at Keighley Cougars last year.
"With this opportunity presenting itself at the Tigers and speaking to Radders, I really wanted to get stuck in. I’ve never worked with Lee before, but I’ve obviously played against him down the years when he was at Hull FC, and I was at KR. We’ve known each other for a while and I’m looking forward to getting started and learning from him."
Murrell, renowned for his excellent kicking game, helped Cougars win all their games in League 1 last term. He added: “Obviously to retire with Keighley after getting promoted was a really nice way to go out on a high. After 18 years of playing, it finally started to take its toll on my body but I’m now looking forward to getting started with this coaching role. I really enjoyed it at Keighley because it’s a great club and they’ve got their aspirations to go places now.”
But Murrell is now back in Super League - and admits he hasn’t ruled out a return to playing. He said: “I’m newly retired but if during the year the reserves need me to put my hand up and play, I will do.“But if we have enough players and the youngsters are coming through, they will of course get the first gig.”
