Castleford Tigers news: Marc Sneyd returns in surprise new role but playing career will continue at Salford

The 35-year-old has joined Tigers as technical coach on a 24-month contract, but will continue his playing career with Championship side Salford. Half-back Sneyd made 31 appearances for Castleford in 2014, scoring 262 points and playing in the Challenge Cup final defeat by Leeds Rhinos.

He also featured in the top flight for Hull FC and Salford and returned to his current club from Warrington Wolves earlier this season. The three-time Lance Todd Trophy winner, as Wembley man of the match, played under Tigers’ new boss Paul Rowley at Salford and is looking forward to resuming the partnership.

“I’m happy to be able to do it,” he said. “I spoke to [Rowley] not too long ago about potentially being able to do it and spoke with Salford as well to make sure there were no clashes going to be happening there. It’s something I obviously want to do in the long run so to have a chance to be able to coach in a full time Super League system, it was an option I really wanted to do.”

Sneyd revealed his job at Castleford will involve “a lot of learning and obviously giving a bit of advice probably when I can”. He said: “They’ve already got Robbo [Luke Robinson] there, Grixy [Simon Grix] is already there and Rowls is a really hands-on coach as I know from having him as a coach at Salford.

“I'll just be in and around all of it really and adding where I can, doing a bit of the skill-based stuff and things like that. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Tigers director of rugby Chris Chester explained: “Marc has got a fantastic rugby league brain, a huge amount of experience and a real understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest level. He has been a top player throughout his career and I’m confident he can bring a great deal to our environment. His knowledge of the game, attention to detail and ability to pass on his experience will be a real asset to our players.”