Castleford Tigers caretaker coach Danny Orr is prepared to stay in charge for the rest of the season if necessary but admits he is “three or four years” away from being ready for the job.
The 34-year-old former captain only joined the Tigers’ backroom staff at the end of last season after hanging up his boots but was promoted into the hot seat by new chief executive Steve Gill following Tuesday’s sacking of head coach Ian Millward and his assistant Stuart Donlan.
Along with player performance manager Richard Tunningley, Orr is preparing the team for Saturday’s home game against Widnes Vikings, with no idea how long he will be in charge.
“It’s something that came about really quick,” he said at his first press conference. “I was asked if I’d take on the role and I said ‘of course I would’, someone had to do it.
“I’ve got help from Richard Tunningley and we’re doing the best we can.
“I’ve always said I’d like to be a head coach one day but every good coach I’ve spoken to over the years has said you need to learn the trade by doing an apprenticeship.
“I believe I was doing that under Basil and Stuey and I was thoroughly enjoying it.
“I’d say it takes three or four years to become a head coach – in Australia a lot longer, perhaps you are looking at seven or eight years – but I’m hoping it’s not going to be that long.
“It’s something that has come about and I’ve got to deal with it the best way I can. This is probably a good experience for me.
“I have joked about if we win the next 10 games then things might change but I’ve told Steve I’ll do the best I can for as long as I’m needed, whether it’s one week, three months or whatever. “If I was asked to do it for the rest of the season, that’s what I would.”
Orr inherits a team bottom of Super League with just three points from 11 games and defeats in their last seven matches but the former scrum-half says their win over champions Leeds Rhinos in February illustrates their potential and he will not be making major changes.
State of Mind would like to wish Danny all the best in his new role!