Meet Cas PDRL: Mike McGann

By Adam Rimmington

First up in our “Meet the Cas PDRL Squad” feature, is red short wearing, real ale drinking, Vice-Captain Mike McGann, who replied so fast that to the request of this interview that I am sure he has had these answers written for years in preparation for this!

Mike, firstly how is the current situation affecting you? 

I am very much an advocate of the ‘State of Mind’ charity, which aims to promote mental health specifically in rugby league, therefore as I am currently working from home I am being strict with myself and have a rigorous training programme that I aim to do before I start the day. This includes crunches and squats and a stretch every now again when I start feeling stiff during the working day. Box sets have been a real lifesaver, Vikings particularly and let's just say Disney+ has come along at just the right time.

I am checking in with the team, in our group chat to see how we are all coping during this crisis. We have all offered our ear to one another should anyone be finding it particularly tough as we all know it can be in a time like this. My partner, Amanda is a key worker at a medical centre so I am in the kitchen cooking for when she gets home and supporting her in any way I’m needed, as I feel we all should be if we know anyone who is a key worker at this time, as they are doing a wonderful job. 

How did you first become involved with PDRL?

I first became involved in October 2016 (has it really been that long?) along with a few other members of the squad. I had been taking part in a weight management course (Back Onside) run by our fantastic Head Coach Neil Barnaby, this was through the Castleford Tigers Foundation. Through this the idea for a PDRL team came about and was discussed, I initially came down just to help out with the training and to see what it was all about. This then evolved into joining in with the training, I was amazed and honoured when our original coaching team of Neil, Keiran Hickman, Tim Rumford and Andy Lynch asked me to sign up for the team.

How do you feel the first full season went for you personally?

For me I wasn’t impressed with my overall performance, I certainly need to up my defensive positioning which I am concentrating on in the close season. Attacking wise I was more content. I felt as the season went on, my positioning and the option I gave in attack improved. As a team, we were disappointed to lose by a single try in the semi-final. However, the disappointment was short-lived because we immediately began to look forward to next season.

What is your favourite moment playing for Castleford? 

For me, it has to be the three occasions we have played at Wheldon Road, specifically when I scored my first and only try. I haven’t stopped thinking about it (and talking about it). It was at the Castleford Tigers PDRL festival in the summer, we were playing our good friends from Lancashire the Wigan Warriors. I received a great pass from teammate Adam Rimmington and made a lung-busting 60-yard run to score at the railway end. It was a great feeling. 

I never thought in a million years I would get the pleasure of representing this great club, It gives me chills when I think about it. What makes it all the more special is to do it alongside such a wonderful group of people, in a concept that is inclusive of everyone. It is wonderful to see what it means to the lads who like myself never thought they would pull on the Castleford jersey. 

What are your hopes for next season?

Fingers crossed we go one better than last year, We have added some great new players to the squad and the experience we gained from last year will stand us in good stead to hopefully go on and reach the grand final.