Castleford officials were forced to take the unprecedented step of issuing a public apology for the Tigers' woeful performance in defeat at the hands of Wakefield in Cardiff two weeks ago and are stranded at the foot of the table with just two wins from their opening 13 matches.

However, those two victories came against last year's Super League grand finalists Leeds and St Helens and McNamara is keen to ensure his team of title hopefuls do not make the mistake of under-estimating Castleford.

"I think they have threatened on a lot of occasions to get their season going and are a dangerous proposition because when you see the speed of players such as Ryan McGoldrick, Luke Dorn and Michael Shenton, along with Joe Westerman, they can be a dangerous side," said McNamara.

"Castleford had a small squad to start with and were a little bit behind the eight ball when they qualified for Super League.

"They were chasing players at a late stage and a lot of players were already signed up. Their big emphasis has been on bringing their junior players through and getting them ready to play Super League – I think they have done a terrific job in that area."

Two of those youngsters, Michael Wainwright and Ryan Boyle, have been recalled by Castleford who have also drafted in new signing Brendan Hlad and Adam Fletcher in the absence of Ryan Clayton (calf) and Peter Lupton (facial injury).

Bradford have delayed the comeback from a broken arm of prop Joe Vagana, who is hoping to be given the all-clear when he goes for another X-ray next week. Ben Jeffries and James Evans are both expected to return after missing last week's 46-16 Cup victory over Catalans.

Hull head for Harlequins tomorrow without goal-kicking back row Danny Tickle and with lingering doubts over Great Britain winger Gareth Raynor, whose selection is threatened by a stomach muscle injury.

Huddersfield Giants have much to prove at home to Hull Kingston Rovers and will look to make the most of their early opportunity avenge last week's Cup defeat at Craven Park.

The return of captain Chris Thorman from a dead-leg offers a timely boost for Huddersfield who have lost their last four Super League matches since taking a point from Hull KR in March.,

Rovers have the incentive of climbing into the top six if they win and other results go their way, although the absence of Australian back row Ben Galea could be telling.

Galea strained knee ligaments last Sunday and sees his place go to Papuan prop Makali Aizue.