Castleford Tigers v Widnes Vikings: Young gun Tom Holmes backed by Andy Lynch to prosper

AS A Super League veteran of almost two decades, Andy Lynch has undoubtedly become a good judge of what it takes for a player to excel in the competition.
Castleford Tigers' Tom Holmes runs the length of the pitch to score a try against Leeds at St James' Park. Picture: Richard Sellers/PACastleford Tigers' Tom Holmes runs the length of the pitch to score a try against Leeds at St James' Park. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA
Castleford Tigers' Tom Holmes runs the length of the pitch to score a try against Leeds at St James' Park. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

So, when the experienced prop says Castleford Tigers colleague Tom Holmes “has the world as his oyster” you duly take note.

The young half-back has certainly impressed of late having made the most of his chance in the last two games for the rampant league leaders.

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With troubled former Man of Steel Rangi Chase on his way out of the club, Holmes came in to help steer Castleford to an impressive victory in the Challenge Cup against St Helens.

Castleford's Tom Holmes celebrates his try with Jake Webster and Zak Hardaker. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.comCastleford's Tom Holmes celebrates his try with Jake Webster and Zak Hardaker. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Castleford's Tom Holmes celebrates his try with Jake Webster and Zak Hardaker. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

The 21-year-old then followed up with a remarkable 95m try – his first for his hometown club – in Sunday’s Magic Weekend win over Leeds Rhinos in Newcastle.

With ex-Melbourne Storm stand-off Benny Roberts fit again, Holmes may revert to the bench when Widnes Vikings arrive at Wheldon Road tonight.

But Lynch said: “He’s been brilliant. The week before he almost scored a long range try, too, but just got caught in the corner.

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“It was great for him to get that try and I think he’s got the perfect opportunity now to keep progressing. To learn the game from Luke Gale and Benny Roberts, there’s no better people to do that. If he keeps going, the world’s his oyster really.”

Castleford's Tom Holmes celebrates his try with Jake Webster and Zak Hardaker. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.comCastleford's Tom Holmes celebrates his try with Jake Webster and Zak Hardaker. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Castleford's Tom Holmes celebrates his try with Jake Webster and Zak Hardaker. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

The same could be said for Castleford as they continue to plot their way to what they hope will be a maiden league title.

Widnes – who cannot field Chase tonight as part of their recent loan agreement with Tigers – have won just once in their last eight games and were beaten 34-0 at home to Castleford in March.

Lynch, 37, said: “They need to win to get out of the bottom part of the table and we do to stay top so there’s motivation for both. But I thought that Leeds match was a perfect game for us to kick on.

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“It was great for us to be in that tussle at half-time (6-6) and then kick on like we did. They’re the sort of games we need to be close in in and around half-time further down the line so it was a perfect rehearsal for us.”

Winger or full-back Jack Owens, 22, has played his last match for St Helens after joining Championship Sheffield Eagles on loan for the rest of the season.