Monday’s departure of Lee Radford from the Castleford Tigers might well open the door for a return of one of Betfred Super League’s most revered coaches of the late 2000s and early 2010s as Justin Morgan leads the betting to take up the hot seat at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.
Morgan was a huge hit as Hull Kingston Rovers head coach between 2005 and 2011, leading the famous club up from the Championship for their first ever stint in Super League with promotion in 2006. From there he nurtured the likes of Scott Murrell and Kris Welham to become a key part of a successful squad which featured great international imports such as Mick Vella, Clint Newton, Ben Galea and Michael Dobson.
The Australian-born former Wales international led the Robins to play-off finishes in 2009, 2010 and 2011, beating arch rivals Hull FC to record Rovers’ first finals win in 2010. But after a contentious decision by the club’s board to bring in high-profile signing Willie Mason for a failed stint in early 2011, Morgan decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
But after stints as assistant for the likes of Canberra Raiders, Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors, the 47-year-old could be set for a return to Super League more than 11 years on from his spell at Craven Park ended.
Morgan has been installed by Betfred as the 6/4 favourite to replace Radford, whose one-year spell at Wheldon Road ended on Monday following a zero-from-three start to the new Super League season.
The Tigers have placed Andy Last in temporary charge until a permanent successor is appointed, and Last himself is joint-second favourite to be handed the full-time job at 4/1.
Full Castleford permanent head coach odds (Betfred)*:
Justin Morgan 6/4
Andy Last 4/1
Danny Ward 4/1
Andrew Henderson 7/1
Ryan Carr 7/1
Danny Orr 8/1
Matt Adamson 10/1
Willie Poching 10/1
Shane Flanagan 10/1
Brian McDermott 12/1
Danny McGuire 12/1
Ryan Sheridan 12/1
Simon Grix 16/1
Craig Lingard 16/1
Michael Shenton 16/1
John Kear 20/1
James Ford 25/1
Chris Chester 25/1
Brian Noble 40/1
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
