Michael Shenton to join Hull’s backroom staff

Castleford captain Michael Shenton, who hung up his boots at the end of the regular Super League season earlier this month, is to join the backroom staff of Hull.

The 35-year-old former England centre spent all but two of his 18 years as a rugby league professional with his home-town club but will move east to begin his off-field career.

Michael Shenton will become the Black and Whites’ head of emerging talent in their Centre of Excellence programme and will also coach the club’s reserves and academy teams next season.

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Hull head coach Brett Hodgson said: “This is an important role for the club and Michael brings quality in his experience.

“He has been in the game a long time at the highest level. He’s a good leader and we’re adding a quality person to our organisation.

“This is a positive step in the right direction for us and an exciting progression of our pathways.”

Jumping at the role

Shenton said: “It’s a role I am hugely excited for. The opportunity to work at such a great club with some potential future stars, which is such an important job at any club, is one that I jumped at.

“We need to do a better job across the game at developing our young players. Giving them a better chance at becoming professional players. I see myself as someone who can absolutely play a part in that.

“I’ve got a lot of experience and insight into what it takes to make it as a professional in the game.

“I have always had an interest in staying in the game after I retire as a player.

“I’ve done my education in sport. This is a role where I believe I can make a big impact on the careers of younger players. I’ll get a lot of satisfaction out of the role.”