Andy Last ‘desperate’ to land permanent role at Castleford following first victory

Following Castleford’s first victory of the season, Andy Last says he desperately wants the opportunity to lead the side on a permanent basis following their 14-8 score over Leeds.

Two tries from winger Bureta Faraimo saw the Tigers home for their first win of the year, with Gareth Widdop kicking three goals in the victory.

After a dire start to the season, it’s a boost the side needed to kick on for the rest of 2023, with massive celebrations around the ground following the win at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.

Speaking post-match to Jenna Brooks on Sky Sports, Last said he wants opportunity to lead the club moving forwards.

The 41-year-old is currently in the role on an interim basis following the departure of Lee Radford earlier in March.

Andy Last: I’m desperate to take over at Castleford

“I really want it,” Last told reporter Brooks.

“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.”

Andy Last on victory

Ahead of the game, Castleford had conceded 128 points in the first four rounds, and scored only seven tries – with five of those coming against Hull in the opening weekend.

They failed to score a point against Wigan in Round Three, and only managed to cross once against Huddersfield through George Lawler last week.

But it was a much improved performance from what supporters have seen so far.

“There was a real connection with the fans,” Last said on Sky Sports. “They turned up and got behind us. And what they saw was a team that cares.

“I think the way we celebrated errors, wins, our tries, it was infectious and it spread into the terraces and that’s what the supporters want to see. Sometimes your execution isn’t great, but if they see that you’re putting in the effort and putting in some heart, it goes a long way. 

“Personally, it (the win) means a lot. I want to thank all the backroom staff. It’s been a quite difficult last couple of weeks and they way they’ve supported me has been outstanding.

“It was a team effort, and the team is also everyone behind the scenes as well.”

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