Terry Matterson new Castleford
coach

Super League newcomers Castleford have appointed former London Broncos captain Terry Matterson as their new head coach on a two-year contract.

The 38-year-old Matterson, who has been assistant to former Bradford Bulls head coach Matthew Elliot at Canberra Raiders for the past three NRL seasons, succeeds fellow Australian Dave Woods.

Castleford cited a lack of experience as the reason for not retaining Woods, who guided the Tigers back into the top flight at the first attempt with victory over Whitehaven in last month?s National League Grand Final.

Matterson, who joined London from Brisbane in 1995 and played more than 240 first-grade matches for the two Broncos clubs, cut his coaching teeth with Brisbane and had two seasons with Queensland side Brisbane Norths, where he was both head coach and chief executive.

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright said: "The coming season marks our promotion back into Super League and we felt that Terry was the best qualified person to provide the level of leadership and coaching knowledge that will underpin our future."

Matterson, a goalkicking loose forward, joined London from Brisbane Broncos in the centenary season of 1995-96 and scored 330 points from 74 appearances in four seasons.

"I am very excited about the challenge of working with the Tigers," said Matterson, who is expected to arrive in England in the next fortnight.

"The club have a very proud history and, having won a return to the Super League, have ambitious plans for the future. I share those ambitions and am really looking forward to linking up with the players.

"I am making immediate plans to travel to the UK and can't wait to get started."

New Castleford coach Terry Matterson emerged as a candidate for the Super League job following a casual inquiry about prospective new players, it has emerged.

The 38-year-old former London Broncos captain, who was linked with the Widnes vacancy last season, has been appointed as the successor to fellow Australian Dave Woods and will take up a two-year contract when he arrives in the country in the next fortnight.

Castleford had been speaking to New Zealand head coach Brian McClennan and chief executive Richard Wright admitted Matterson arrived late on the scene.

"Our representative in Australia was scouting for new potential players when he called in at Canberra and discovered Terry's interest," said Wright.

"We had no agenda, the criteria was simply to find the best man for the job. We interviewed some really promising young British coaches who were very enthusiastic and some of whom will be very good in the future.

"But Terry has served a good apprenticeship and now he feels he is ready to take on the role of head coach.

"We conducted a great deal of research before making our choice. Terry's credentials are very impressive with extensive experience as both a player at the very highest level and a coach, and he is very enthusiastic about the challenge ahead of him.

"And, having played for the London Broncos, Terry has first-hand knowledge of England and the Super League."

Matterson, a goalkicking loose forward, joined London from Brisbane Broncos in the centenary season of 1995-96 and scored 330 points from 74 appearances in four seasons.

He started his coaching career back at Brisbane Broncos, where he was skills coach and in charge of feeder club Toowoomba.

Matterson then had two seasons with Queensland side Brisbane Norths, as both head coach and chief executive, before becoming assistant to former Bradford boss Matthew Elliott at Canberra Raiders in 2002.

He will appoint his own backroom staff at the Jungle, with former player Brad Davis set for a role, and his first priority will be to fill the club's three overseas quota spots.

"He's already identifying candidates and we expect there to be some movement on team strengthening quite soon," added Wright. "We are confident that this will be the start of a successful new era at the Jungle."

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Thanks to www.superleague.co.uk for these articles.