“It’s Official!” – RFL Launches Investigation Into Danny McGuire as Castleford and Huddersfield Confirm Explosive Team News
Castleford Tigers take on Huddersfield Giants at the Jungle on Thursday night and the team news has been confirmed, as well as the fact that head coach Danny McGuire is under investigation from the RFL.
McGuire wasn’t happy with the officiating in his side’s loss against Wigan Warriors, particularly the decision not to penalise Harry Smith for pulling back Josh Simm. As Wigan Warriors launched their Captain’s Challenge, the extent of Smith’s pull on Simm was clear for all to see bar video referee Aaron Moore who dismissed it and ruled in Wigan’s favour.
From the resulting set, the Warriors scored and speaking post-match on Saturday night, McGuire was not impressed with the call.
Everyone in the ground can see it’s a penalty,” McGuire told Sky Sports when asked about the call. “I can’t see why they can’t see it’s a penalty.
“Everyone can see Josh Simm gets pulled back, what are they looking for? I don’t know what they’re looking for.
“I don’t get it. I don’t get the officiating. I don’t get the captain’s challenge. I don’t get some of the things that happen in the game. It’s bewildering. The standard of officiating is getting worse.”
Those comments, as well as some he made during his post-match presser, have drawn an RFL investigation despite the fact that head of referees Phil Bentham has conceded the call was a a”clear error”.
Whilst McGuire will have to speak with the RFL and explain his comments, he’s also got the matter of Thursday’s game against Huddersfield to contend with and he and rival head coach Luke Robinson have both named their 21-man squads.
Castleford Tigers team news
Danny McGuire has named an unchanged 21-man squad which notably includes Liam Horne, despite the fact the hooker is facing a disciplinary tribunal tonight.
Horne faces a Grade E charge for making contact with a player who could be injured, after dragging Kaide Ellis up by his collar in the dying seconds of the game. The club will clearly contest the charge and try to prove Horne’s innocence given they have named him to their squad.
Fletcher Rooney is named once again and should be closer to returning, although McGuire has previously conceded that the youngster may need time in the reserves before returning to Super League.
Castleford Tigers 21-man squad: Zac Cini, Sam Wood, Innes Senior, Daejarn Asi, Rowan Milnes, Liam Horne, George Lawler, Alex Mellor, Joe Westerman, George Griffin, Sam Hall, Louis Senior, Fletcher Rooney, Josh Simm, Will Tate, George Hill, Dan Okoro, Brad Singleton, Tom Amone, Chris Atkin, Joe Stimson.
