Meet Cas PDRL: Neil Barnaby

By Adam Rimmington

An integral part of our squad and without him, the PDRL team would not have been as successful as it has been so far, Neil puts in countless hours outside of the working day to help with anything the squad needs. The team can’t thank Neil enough even if he is a Leeds Rhinos fan...

How did you become involved with the PDRL team?

Myself, Tim Rumford, Steve Ball and Andy Lynch all had a meeting to discuss our participation in the variant in February 2018. Initially, it was going to be Andy coaching the team, I wasn’t supposed to be involved, but when the press release came out I was down as also being a coach for the team.

What is your favourite moment as coach of the team? 

I have a couple, our first game at home against the Rhinos. It was amazing for the team walking out at the Jungle and playing in front of a smallish crowd pre-match also having both the Tigers and the Rhinos First Team players watching the game from the sidelines. Prior to the match, I had arranged for Daryl Powell to come and speak with the team moments before going to play the game, some of the lads had tears in their eyes at that moment. The second one for me is Wigan at home last year when both Kenan and Corey scored, two young lads, and Matt’s (Corey’s dad) tears of pride from the sideline when Corey scored. These moments are what PDRL is all about.

What are your thoughts on the PDRL structure?

I like the current structure and the plans from the RFL as we move forward, for expanding the game both domestic and also internationally.

Best moment in rugby league. Watching, playing or coaching?

My best moment in Rugby League has to be leading my team out for our first game at Headingley, for obvious reasons... Also coaching my team at Old Trafford was an amazing experience.

How do you think the first PDRL season went for you personally and the team as a whole?

Our first season in a competitive league was a little disappointing, to lose to the eventual Grand Final winners Warrington in the semi-final 4-0 was devastating. We were so close and you could tell that one try would probably win the match as it did. The team put so much into the season and for it to end that way was really hard to take. After losing the semi-final and then the horrible injury sustained by Adam Rimmington in the final match of the season, I hoping for a very positive upcoming season.

What do the players have to look forward to when training resumes?

We were doing really well with pre-season, until the enforced COVID-19 break. I was really pushing everyone hard and seeing a very good response from the whole team. We will be back in as soon as possible and back into the really hard work in the gym and restle room from the get-go!

What are the hopes and aspirations for next season?

This season, I am hoping, will be a one that sees the Tigers go that one step further and at least make the Grand Final, personally I want us to win the Grand Final this year. We have added some real quality to the side and these players could be the difference between making the final and winning it!

How are you coping with the current situation?

We just have to get in with it and follow the Government guidelines, otherwise, this pandemic will just get worse. PLEASE STAY HOME AND SAFE PEOPLE!