Hull FC v Castleford Tigers: Chris Chester insists visitors not 'back to square one' amid Ryan Carr uncertainty

The club's director of rugby took the reins on an interim basis and steered a rocky ship to the end of a forgettable campaign.

Twelve months on and the scene is depressingly familiar. Chester is back in the firing line on media duties as the club work through another uncertain situation and their season unravels.

But Chester, who conceded last week that he had made recruitment mistakes, rejected the suggestion that the Ryan Carr saga had set the club back 12 months.

"I don't think it'll take us back to square one," said Chester, who is hopeful of a resolution on Carr's future in the coming days.

"We knew when we appointed the coach that it was going to be a two to three-year project. We knew we needed to continue to make changes, both on-field and off-field staff. We have done that slowly but surely.

"I know it's been a very difficult time for the Cas fans. Trust me, everybody feels it at the moment – but I think there are some real good things around the corner.

"We can't take an eye off 2026 because there are some important games coming up in terms of IMG points so it's important we finish as far up that ladder as we possibly can.

"Eighth is still a target. We're two wins away from Catalans so the ball is in our court.

"It's been tough on those fans. I want to thank them for the support they've given us this year and hopefully we get plenty of fans there tomorrow (Friday) night."

Carr's ongoing absence, which the club maintain is due to personal reasons, has cast some doubt over Castleford's recruitment plans following his role in signing Damien Cook, Mat Feagai and Tyrell Sloan from former club St George Illawarra Dragons.

However, Chester remains confident that the overseas trio will honour the contracts they signed to join the Tigers from next year.

"I've spoken to Damien and Tyrell and I've spoken to Mat's agent," said Chester.

"We've had some really positive discussions with those guys. They're signing for Castleford Tigers and are looking forward to coming over in November for the start of pre-season.

"I know the part Ryan played in bringing those guys over but they've signed a contract with Castleford. We can't wait to see them."

In the here and now, Chester and the rest of the backroom staff must find a way to rouse Castleford for the remaining five games.

With Catalans Dragons, Bradford Bulls and Huddersfield Giants still to play after Friday's trip to Hull FC, Chester is hopeful Castleford can salvage something from another difficult campaign.

He insisted there are no excuses despite the uncertainty over Carr's position.

"It's been unsettling for everybody," acknowledged Chester. "It's obviously unsettled the fans and had a big disruption within the day-to-day running of things here at the club.

"But at the end of the day, these guys are paid professional rugby league players. They know what the job is and that's to turn up to training four or five days a week and give everything on a weekend.

"It's our job in the coaching set-up to make sure they perform to the best of their abilities. We haven't done that for a number of weeks but have a run of games now that we see as more than winnable.

"It's important that we finish the season off strong."

Last week's heavy defeat to Hull KR played out against the backdrop of discontent on the terraces.

Chester, however, remains convinced that the Tigers are laying the foundations for better days ahead.

"One hundred per cent," he said. "And I'm not just saying that.

"I just know the quality we've brought into the club and what a great job Martin (Jepson, owner) and the rest of the board are doing with all hands on deck at the moment.

"We've got a great 3G facility that's used regularly and adds much-needed income. There are plenty of events on an evening.

"I know we're doing really, really good things off the field. We've got to start doing good things on the field.

"I'm more than happy and confident that 2027 will be different from 2026."

Hull have faced their own turmoil this season but return to the MKM Stadium buoyed by a welcome win at St Helens.

Former Castleford boss Andy Last is wary of the response his old club could produce.

"It makes them more dangerous," he said. "The uncertainty could galvanise them or it could cause more mayhem for them.

"We're preparing for the best version of Castleford. They've got enough players who can cause you problems so we need to make sure we take care of our performance.

"We had a good 30-minute period in that St Helens game where we were very, very good. We need to make sure we improve on that to beat Castleford."