Cas' not rushing appointment

Castleford Tigers have drawn up a short-list of candidates for the role of head coach from nine applicants but chief executive Steve Gill insists they will not be rushed into making an appointment.

Former captain Danny Orr will remain in temporary charge for tomorrow's Challenge Cup fourth-round tie against Leeds at Headingley as the Tigers ponder their choice as Ian Millward's successor.

The club are also considering an offer from former coach Stuart Raper to return from Australia to assist Orr until a permanent appointment is made.

Veteran coach John Kear, who was born in Castleford, has been linked with the post and, although Gill says no contact has been made with Kear's current club Batley, he admits he would like to appoint a British coach.

Meanwhile, as England international Rangi Chase edges ever closer to a move away from Castleford, Gill has revealed the player was the subject of an illegal approach.

Gill confirmed that Chase has expressed an interest in returning to Australia, mostly likely to his old club St George Illawarra, and that the Tigers would not stand in his way if he was adamant about a move.

But Gill insists that no request was made for permission to speak to the 2011 Man of Steel, who is contracted to the Super League outfit until the end of 2015.

Chase has been named in Orr's squad for tomorrow's Cup-tie, which looks increasingly likely to be his final game for the club.