Castleford Tigers news: Luke Robinson gives emphatic answer to head-coach question

Robinson joined Tigers’ backroom staff as an assistant two weeks ago - five months after being sacked by Giants - and has signed a long-term contract in that role. Castleford are without a coach following Ryan Carr’s recent departure less than a season into a three-year deal, but Robinson today (Thursday) insisted he is not interested in taking over.

Standing in for director of rugby Chris Chester at Tigers’ press conference ahead of tomorrow’s final home game of the campaign against Catalans Dragons, Robinson was asked if he would be throwing his hat in the ring. “No,” was his emphatic reply.

He said: “I will aid the club as much as I can if they want my advice or anything else, but I am here as an assistant-coach. Me and the club are in agreement with that, I am really comfortable with it and really excited about the vision Dean [Jones, club director] and the owner [Martin Jepson] gave me.”

The 42-year-old, who abandoned a planned holiday in Portugal to link up with Tigers, added: “Rugby league is in my blood. I have always really enjoyed coaching and I think I am good at it. It is not a job, it is a passion. I was in talks with a couple of clubs about different roles within the game, but this came up and I snatched it with both hands.”

Robinson played for Castleford in 2004 on loan from Wigan Warriors and has “always had a little bit of a soft spot” for the club, which his mother-in-law supports. He stressed: “What I really liked when I spoke to them was what they wanted to achieve on the field, how they are going to do it and the things they are trying to do for the town as much as anything else.

“You can tell they really care about the town and the club and how it moves forward and how they potentially could start winning trophies in the future. I was really impressed.”

Tigers say they plan to begin their search for Carr’s replacement after Friday’s game, which celebrates the club’s centenary.