Halifax RLFC have named Warrington Wolves’ assistant and England Academy boss Richard Marshall as their new coach for 2015.

The 38-year-old, a former front rower who began his Super League career as a player with The Shay club in the mid-1990s, succeeds his former captain Karl Harrison, who left the club last month after three years in charge.

Former Giants player Marshall, who has spent six years at the Wolves as Under 20s and first team coach, has been handed a three-year deal reportedly ahead the former England coaches Brian Noble and John Kear, and ex-Bradford chief Francis Cummins.

“Richard has got a fantastic background,” said Halifax director Ian Croad.

“He is very professional, he’s done six years at one of the biggest clubs in the game under Tony Smith and he’s coached some of the best players in the world.

“For us, I have absolutely no doubt he is the right appointment.”

Castleford coach Daryl Powell is confident he can build on his club’s stellar 2014 season despite the break-up of his team.

The Tigers’ 30-14 play-off defeat by Warrington on Thursday night meant they ended the year empty-handed but they were hailed by Wolves boss Tony Smith as a “breath of fresh air” for Super League after taking the game by storm.

They were many pundits’ tip to be involved in the relegation battle but they reached the Challenge Cup final at Wembley for the first time for 22 years and were just one win away from finishing top of the league for the first time in the club’s 88-year history.

“We shot for some pretty big prizes and we didn’t quite hit the jackpot, which hurts quite a lot but ultimately, we’ll take a lot of pride in what we’ve done,” Powell said.

“It’s been a really, really good year and close to being a great year.

“We’ve put Cas back on the map. I think people are proud to come and support the team and hopefully we can go on from this.”