Hull KR axe Danny McGuire with Leeds icon set for Castleford switch

13 October 2023 , 07:10

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Hull KR's Danny McGuire has left the club (Image: James Heaton/News Images)

Hull KR have confirmed they have axed Danny McGuire from their coaching staff - with the Super League legend now set to join Castleford as an assistant.

A Rovers statement read: "The club has decided to refresh the first team’s coaching structure, enabling Willie Peters to create his own coaching team."

McGuire, who first joined the Robins as a player in 2018, helping the side to re-establish themselves in Super League before retiring at the end of the 2019 season, was stunned when told recently he wouldn't be kept on at the East Yorkshire club. He was under contract until the end of 2025 and had helped KR reach the Challenge Cup final and top-four this season.

Following his retirement, ex-Leeds and Great Britain star McGuire helped lay the foundations for the Robins’ recent progression, overseeing the club’s player recruitment. From that role, he became assistant coach under Tony Smith ahead of the 2021 season. In July last year, McGuire became the Robins’ interim head coach, helping to stabilise the side after Smith's sacking, and then assistant again under incoming Aussie Willie Peters this term.

Peters said: "I'd like to thank Danny for his contributions to Hull KR this season. I wish Danny and his family every success in the future."

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Hull KR's Danny McGuire is on his way to Castleford (PA)

Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin said: "Danny has played a key role in the club’s journey to becoming a top Super League club. We will always be grateful for Danny’s contributions as a player and then during his three seasons as Assistant Head Coach, particularly as Interim Head Coach during a difficult time for the club. We’d like to wish Danny all the best for the next chapter in his coaching journey."

Castleford are expected to confirm later today that current No2 Craig Lingard will take on their head coach vacancy with McGuire coming on board as the former Batley chief's assistant.

David Craven