A TRIBUTE will be paid to Darryl Van de Velde this evening at the meeting between two of his former clubs.

A minute’s applause will be held at The Halliwell Jones Stadium before kick off between Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers in memory of both sides’ former head coach, who passed away earlier this week aged 72.

The Wire confirmed the pre-match tribute to the man who coached them for 140 games between 1997 and 2001 and was responsible for bringing the likes of Lee Briers, Allan Langer, Andrew Gee and Tawera Nikau to the club among others.

Before moving to Wilderspool, he enjoyed a highly successful spell as Castleford head coach between 1988 and 1993, leading the Fords to the Challenge Cup Final in 1992.

He also coached Huddersfield on these shores having previously led Redcliffe to back-to-back Brisbane Rugby League titles back in his native Australia.

Upon returning to his homeland following his departure from Warrington, Van de Velde became a Queensland Rugby League board member – a position he held until shortly before his passing.