New Castleford Tigers head coach Ryan Carr has ‘nailed’ his first pre-season in charge at Wheldon Road. That’s the message from veteran Brad Singleton, who is preparing for his testimonial match against Leeds Rhinos this weekend.
Singleton is preparing for his 16th season as a player and therefore he knows a thing or two about pre-season campaigns and how to get the best out of them. It seems as though Carr has impressed then, with the prop praising his new head coach and the way he has managed to implement his system and gel a new group together.
Castleford have been busy when it comes to recruitment for the new season, with Chris Chester giving Carr’s side a very different feel by making 12 new signings. Just as many players have left the club over the off-season and given the turnover, the Tigers are approaching this season with an element of the unknown.
After the disappointment of last season, no one at Castleford will be getting carried away by how they’ve looked on the training field, but Singleton does have belief that they can make strides forward.
Brad Singleton on Castleford Tigers’ pre-season
“2026 for me is exciting,” Singleton told the Castleford Tigers website. “I’m going to enjoy every minute of it, I’m quietly confident with how we go this year. And I’ll take it game-by-game, and fully take on board the rollercoaster that Super League will bring.
“Our team looks good! It’s no secret we’ve had a big turn over of personnel, some great players in there – but also great people.
“Some no doubt exciting players to watch out for, but the biggest thing I’m looking forward to is how we run under Ryan Carr and his system, he’s nailed his pre-season with the lads, and as a player, I’m eager to see how it transfers.”
On his testimonial against his former club Leeds, which will be Castleford’s first run out under Ryan Carr after seeing last week’s clash with Oldham cancelled, Singleton added: “To have the game against Leeds Rhinos was always going to be big for me.
“They’re the team that gave me my opportunity and ten years of rugby, going from a boy to a man there. The personalities and environment no doubt shaped who I am today.
“Me and my family have such happy memories on and off the field there, there were plenty of big nights at Wembley and Old Trafford, but alongside that, there were friendships for life made there.”
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