Legend Mal Reilly backing Castleford Tigers for the double

In his own early playing days, as a bristling young loose-forward who would become one of the sport’s greats, he featured heavily as they won back-to-back Challenge Cups in 1969 and 1970, seemingly on the cusp of a period of sustained success.

They had reached the Championship final in ’69, too, only to be edged out by Leeds in one of the most brutal games witnessed then or since.

However, more than 40 years on, that day was as close as the West Yorkshire club ever got to being crowned champions.

They did not reach another title-decider during the winter era or, indeed, the summer one with Castleford’s only previous such showpiece being the 8-6 defeat to Salford as long ago as 1939.

Nevertheless, securing first place for the first time since their humble beginnings in 1926 is now all but confirmed with Daryl Powell’s side firm favourites to push on and win a maiden Grand Final.

They are 10 points clear of nearest rivals Leeds with just five games remaining and a massive points difference advantage of 300 points means they will not be caught in pole position.

If they avoid defeat tomorrow when derby rivals Wakefield Trinity arrive at a throbbing Wheldon Road, all that history will be detonated when Castleford are finally presented with the League Leaders’ Shield.

Hall of Famer Reilly – who coached them to their last Challenge Cup final win in 1986 – told The Yorkshire Post: “It is a real milestone and a fantastic achievement.

“Full credit to everyone concerned down there, particularly the coaches and players who have put such an effort in.

“They are a very confident outfit and that’s credit to Daryl Powell. It’s great what he’s done there; he’s progressed and each year they have improved.

“Now, they stand out in Super League and they are far and away the best team in the competition.

“St Helens, Wigan, Leeds are probably not the sides they once were but credit to Cas; they play a brand of football which is great to watch.

“They have plenty of width on the ball, their defence is the best in the competition and they are also the top try-scoring side. What more can you ask for?”

On whether, back in ’69 and ’70, he could ever have imagined it taking this long to reach the summit, Reilly conceded: “I didn’t particularly because there’s such a good number of junior players around the area and so many kids playing the game.

“But Daryl is really building that up now and the club is going really well.

“Obviously, the Grand Final is the major target but I really do think they can go on and win that, too.

“It was a bit unfortunate losing to Hull in the Challenge Cup but I think they’ll have learned something from that and they will now be in a position to finish the season off in style.”

The 69-year-old added: “It’ll be a great atmosphere again on Thursday. They are superb supporters and I’ve been involved at the club during previous successful periods.”

He has been picking the brains of Powell, whom he gave a first international cap to in 1990 when in charge of Great Britain and has worked with at various times since.

“I’m going with the 1997 Newcastle Knights’ Grand Final side on a 12-day trek to base camp in Everest,” revealed Reilly, who was coach of the Australian club when they famously won their own first Grand Final, the 20th anniversary of which is is next month.

“It’s quite a demanding trek and I’ve been in touch with Daryl to ask one or two things from his medical staff before I set off! There’s a lot of the ’97 side doing it like Andrew and Matthew Johns plus Paul Harragon while Danny Buderus – who played over here with Leeds – is also in the group.

“We head off on October 15 and it’s all in aid of the Mark Hughes Foundation.

“I’m just looking to make sure I’m fit enough to get signed on to do it but I am looking forward to it and looking for sponsors, too.”

Former centre Hughes, 40, was part of Reilly’s title-winning side in 1997 when, with arguably the most dramatic finish in Grand Final history, they beat Manly in the very last second.

Hughes was diagnosed with a brain cancer in 2013 and subsequently set up the foundation to raise awareness and funds for the illness.

Halifax will be without Will Sharp for their Super 8s Qualiifers game at Warrington on Saturday because of suspension.

He was given a one-match ban after pleading guilty to tripping against Widnes.