Castleford coach AXED after losing first three games amid questions over Joe Westerman’s booze binge sex video shame
COACH Lee Radford has been ditched by Castleford – as questions remain over how Joe Westerman was allowed to go on a 15-hour booze bender that ended with his social media video shame.
Three defeats in three Super League games spelled the end for the former Hull FC boss, who helped Samoa reach a historic World Cup final last year.
However, much talk surrounds how Westerman was allowed out drinking for so long before the now infamous footage of him performing a sex act on a woman who was not his wife emerged.
Especially as it was just four days before the season started, a week before Cas’ first match.
Scoring just six points in two matches, albeit against world champions St Helens and contenders Wigan, also raised questions over whether Radford was the right man for the job.
Fans have been quick to show how they believe he is to blame, with chants of “What the f*** is going on?” during Cas’ first match of the season, which saw them fight back from 32-6 down at Hull FC to lose 32-30.
Radford’s handling of the Westerman episode, which he was eager to brush under the carpet, was also called into question.
Officially departing by mutual consent, Radford said: “With the club and myself heading in different directions, I think making this early call will be the correct one.
“Hopefully, it can kick start their season.”
Assistant coach Andy Last will take charge of Castleford until a permanent successor is found, starting with Friday’s trip to Huddersfield.
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Contenders include James Ford, the former York boss who is now number two at Wakefield, ex-London chief Danny Ward and Tigers playing legend Danny Orr, who served on former coach Daryl Powell’s staff.
They may look overseas for one-time Hull KR coach Justin Morgan or ex-Featherstone boss Ryan Carr, who is on the coaching staff at NRL side St George-Illawarra.