Jamie Jones-Buchanan backs Andy Last to land permanent Castleford gig
Leeds legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan has backed Andy Last to land the permanent role at Castleford following their first win of the season.
The Tigers picked up a 14-8 victory over Leeds on Thursday night at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, posting their first points on the Super League table.
Last, 41, took charge of his second game on an interim basis following the departure of head coach Lee Radford earlier this month.
His first audition to land the permanent gig came to a disappointing 36-6 defeat to Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium.
But two tries from winger Bureta Faraimo and three goals from Gareth Widdop saw Castleford to victory at home in front of a relieved crowd.
Jones-Buchanan, 41, was a guest on Sky Sports‘ coverage, watching on as his Rhinos side fell to their third defeat of the season.
The seven-time Grand Final winning player has backed Castleford to give Last the permanent position following a much improved 80-minute performance.
JJB backs Andy Last for Castleford gig
Jones-Buchanan said: “They’ll start believing in themselves again. I hope Lasty gets the job.
“He can be a head coach. He works hard, he’s got this result – back him!
“Let him have a go and let him manifest his identity into this Castleford team and see where they are at the back end of the year.”
Andy Last: I’m desperate to take over at Castleford
Last himself has made no secret of his desire to take the role on a permanent basis.
The former player is currently assistant to Shaun Wane on international level with England. He has also previously worked at Hull under Radford, before taking charge of the club for a short stint before the side hired Brett Hodgson.
“I really want it,” Last told reporter Jenna Brooks on Sky Sports.
“I think the team obviously showed how much they wanted me to get a win. Personally, I think the effort that they put in was fantastic.
“I’m experienced. I’ve done the assistant coaching job for a while now. I’m desperate to obviously take over at Castleford because I really care about the club and I really care about the group of players.
“If we can keep putting in performances like that, hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to lead this club moving forward.”
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