Stuart joins Tigers' coaching staff

UCLan Coaching Lecturer Stuart Wilkinson has joined the backroom staff at Super League club Castleford Tigers.

Stuart has been appointed as Tigers' Academy Assistant Coach and will link up with the club ahead of the 2015 season. He will also continue in his role at the University.

Stuart brings a wealth of experience to the Tigers, having previously worked with the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors.

He commented: "I'm really excited about joining such a talented, honest and hard-working Castleford coaching team.

"I had no hesitation accepting Pete Riding's offer (Castleford's Head of Youth Performance) as I've worked with a number of his staff over the years.

"Teaming up with Daryl Powell and Ryan Sheridan, who I worked with at Leeds Rhinos, and Danny Orr from my time at Wigan Warriors, will add to my experience. Pete has a massive amount of experience which he's consistently proved over the years.

"The area has a tradition of producing some of the best players in the game and being part of their system provides an exciting challenge to me.

"This wouldn't be possible without the support and cooperation from Leona Trimble and the rest of the staff at UCLan's School of Sport, Tourism and The Outdoors. I cannot thank them enough as this provides my Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance a rich source of information in a high performance environment."

Pete Riding added: "Stuart has developed his trade under some very good coaches at some very successful clubs and we're looking forward to what he will bring to the Tigers.

"He's very well thought of within the game and has got a lot of experience as a coach, so the input he'll have into the culture here will be invaluable.

"I've known him for a while now and he has never lost his enthusiasm for rugby league. He's a great person to have around the squad and he'll have a big part to play in what we are trying to achieve."