Radford on working with Samoa at World Cup

The Castleford Tigers Head Coach will be Assistant Coach for the exciting Samoan team during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup which starts on Saturday, 15th October at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Following Andrew Webster stepping out of the coaching setup for Toa Samoa, Radford has joined Matt Parish’s staff which includes Cronulla assistant Daniel Holdsworth, ex-Bradford boss Geoff Toovey and former Hull FC forward Frank Pritchard.

The opportunity to work with a highly talented squad who will be challenging for the Paul Barrière Trophy was one Radford had to take.

“When I was asked, I was really pleased with the chance to be a part of the team, and I’m excited to work with some of the blokes that’ll be in the squad in a few weeks.

“Speaking to Matt, he’s really pleased with the availability that he’s got. Some of them choosing Samoa over Australia is a really powerful decision and the influence of them blokes will be big in the competition."

Radford is hopeful this tournament will attract more new fans to watch and attend games as he believes that international fixtures are vital to the growth of the British game.

“For our game to grow internationally we have to be strong, or stronger than we have been previously. Hopefully, this World Cup will be a really healthy competition and there won’t be too many blowout scores for the developing nations. Hopefully, as well, the games with the elite nations will whet the appetite for some new viewers.”

Samoa’s team selection will make for exciting viewing, a whole host of NRL talent have declared their interest in participating and playing in the competition here in England, which is a thrilling prospect for the Fords’ boss.

“We’re going to be based in Doncaster and the planning has been taken care of, as soon as the players land, they’ll be able to familiarise themselves with their surroundings.

“Jarome Luai, Josh Papali’I, to name just two who have played at the highest level of our sport. I’m looking forward to picking their brains and seeing how they set about going about their work.”

Toa Samoa’s first fixture is a big one, the competition opening game at the home of Newcastle United against England, the tournament hosts. Shaun Wane will be flanked by St Helens’ Paul Wellens and a man Lee Radford knows very well, his assistant coach – Andy Last – and the mind games have already begun down at The Jungle.

“We’ve stopped talking to each other in the coaches office and there’s been some great banter there, but it’ll be a great way to get the competition going.”

It means that the “off-season” period for Radford has been and gone, with the Tigers staff already preparing for the pre-season and the start of the 2023 Betfred Super League season, with plans and programmes already firmly in place.

Radford also revealed the expected start date for the majority of the Cas squad for pre-season this November.

“One of the only benefits of not making the six (play-offs) means you can put planning into place earlier than you wanted to, so there’ll be no detrimental effect to Castleford going forward with the World Cup. It can only benefit the club.

“Some of the young lads will be in on the 7th of November. The rest of the squad will be in on the 14th with some overseas lads back a little bit later, as will the players potentially playing at the World Cup.

“There will be some staggering, but there is a reason, that early pre-season period is mainly for the conditioning staff and getting the foundation in place for the players to develop and get hardened.”

Castleford Tigers would like to wish all who are representing the club during the Rugby League World Cup the very best.

Lee Radford will be an Assistant Coach with Samoa, England will have Andy Last as an Assistant Coach & Matty Crowther as Head Physiotherapist, whilst our First Team Physiotherapist Amy Wesson will be on the Ireland coach staff. Furthermore, our Club Doctor, Nick Raynor is the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the entire tournament. Good luck to all our Tigers!