Jamie Beards will take charge of the Castleford Tigers PDRL team in 2023. Jamie takes up the role of Head Coach following three seasons as an assistant coach. In 2022 he picked up the Community Award at the Club Awards Evening for his contribution to the side that went on a run of 9 consecutive wins and was awarded the Castleford Tigers Supporters Club award for outstanding achievement.
Jamie will be assisted by Anthony ‘Tosh’ Summerfield, who will combine being the assistant coach of the PDRL team with his role coaching the Castleford Tigers LDSL team.
Jamie spoke of his pride to be able to step up and coach the fantastic group of people within the PDRL team at Castleford Tigers and hopes for a brilliant season at the helm.
“I’m over the moon. It means a great deal to me! Especially after three years of being around the lads it just means so much. Volunteers are massive. Without them, it wouldn’t happen. As any coach knows that you can’t run anything single handedly so without the volunteers and people giving up their time, the team wouldn’t be possible.”
Tosh will be juggling the PDRL assistant coach role with his coaching role at the LDRL team and he’s set his sights on what he wants to get from it from a personal level.
“I’m really pleased and really looking to it. Now it’s official I can’t wait to take everything forward. I’ll be doing it alongside my work with the LDRL group and to be doing it alongside both teams, with two completely different coaching styles. I’m really looking forward to developing myself as a coach and both teams that I’m involved in.”
Mat Lancaster, Castleford Tigers Foundation Head of Operations, said: “Jamie and Tosh are well-respected amongst the group and deserve the opportunity to build upon the great work they have already done. I am delighted they feel they can further their development and fulfil their aspirations with us. I look forward to working with them in 2023 and beyond.”
