Former Hull KR contingent implement new philosophy in first week with Castleford

Brett Delaney has already been a key man in Castleford's first week of pre-season training - with Scott Murrell assisting - as Danny McGuire begins work as the club's head coach.

Former Hull Kingston Rovers interim boss McGuire was known for his attacking potency as a player, but he focused on defence in week one of Castleford pre-season with Delaney. Delaney was recruited ahead of this pre-season after his successful spell as Rovers assistant coach. Former Rovers star Murrell, meanwhile, has been at the club since his days of assisting former Castleford head coach Lee Radford.

McGuire said: "Our pre-season has been based so far on defensive elements of the game. Brett Delaney has come in and he is going to be heading up that and he has done a fantastic job already. He is going to bring a hell of a lot to the team. He is a no-nonsense coach. In my opinion he is the best defensive coach in the competition.

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"You only have to look at the results of Hull KR over the last couple of years to see what Brett has brought there. Obviously he is one of my best pals as well so that trust and that loyalty that Brett showed when we played together, we have got that now as coaches. We've got Scott Murrell there as well who is a good friend and a really good young coach. We are all helping each other and pushing each other as well."

On the intensity of pre-season, he said: "We've worked the players hard, as expected in pre-season, but they've all been amazing to be honest with you. I've been really impressed. They've took on every challenge, stood up to every challenge. We have really tried to push them to extremes and they've handled it really well."

On the style that will be taking shape, McGuire said: "I like my players to express themselves, I like my players to play with freedom and trust their ability and trust that they can pull off the plays. But that's got to be built on the back of the hard work and the effort and a bit more solid appreciation of defence. At times last year we were a little bit too easy to score against so we've got to understand that defence is more important than attack. The attack comes off the back of being gritty and being tough defensively."

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