Former Castleford coach Terry Matterson to join Cowboys

Matterson replaces Newcastle Knights-bound Michael Crawley Down under

Former Castleford coach Terry Matterson has joined North Queensland Cowboys as their assistant on a two-year contract.

The 44-year-old Australian announced in July that he would be leaving Cas at the end of the season after six years in charge to return Down Under.

His last game in charge was the narrow 26-24 defeat by Hull KR, which meant they missed out on the play-offs.

Matterson, who had spent the last six years with Castleford, will start his role with the NRL side in November.

"I will really miss the people at Cas," Matterson told BBC Radio Leeds. "Hundreds of people came on the pitch after our final home game, when we'd just shipped 50 points against Hull, and I didn't have one negative comment.

"I've had nine years over here in Super League and I love this country.

"The majority of the fans have been fantastic and the passion of people in the game is second to none.

"My one hope is that, although it is seen as a northern game, I hope rugby league over here gets bigger and better."

Former London Broncos captain Matterson will take over Down Under from Michael Crawley, who is moving to Newcastle Knights.

But Castleford named another Australian, Leigh's Ian Millward, the former St Helens and Wigan boss, as their new coach on a three-year deal earlier this month. And Matterson's advice to his successor is to bide his time.

"Ian will be under no illusions," said Matterson. "He just needs to be patient and realistic and keep working with the kids. He's got a good set of lads in place.

"It's all about making Castleford a better rugby league club.

"I had some bad times here, like when Barrow beat us in the Challenge Cup last season and they were shouting 'Sack the Board' and 'Sack the Coach' and I needed an escort.

"But to do what we have done in the last year and a half shows the stepping stones are in place."