'˜Outstanding' - Daryl Powell's pride as Castleford Tigers lead the way

THESE ARE heady days for Castleford Tigers, with two of their teams setting the pace.
Daryl PowellDaryl Powell
Daryl Powell

Tigers moved into pole position in Super League following a 43-26 win over Catalans Dragons at the Jungle. just two hours earlier the club’s academy beat the French visitors 32-24 at nearby Castleford Panthers and coach Daryl Powell was in ebullient mood after the double success.

“I went to watch our 19s and they are top as well,” Powell said after the Super League victory.

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“I think for us as a club it is awesome. We are doing really well across the board and we should be seen as a progressive team.

“That is what we are about. I thought what I saw in the 19s was as pleasing as us [the senior side] winning.”

Castleford’s first teamers did it the hard way, trailing 14-0 after just 11 minutes.

Asked what his thoughts were at 14-0, Powell said: “Start defending! We looked poor and they were coming straight through the middle of us.”

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Powell admitted to mixed feelings about their performance, being delighted with the attacking display, but disappointed at the four tries conceded.

“I think there were some outstanding things in our game,” said Powell.

“We always looked dangerous when we had the ball, but we were a little bit leaky defensively and that’s one disappointing element. Having said that, when we did grab hold of our defensive game we completely dominated territory on the back of an awesome line speed.

“There were some really good things there and Catalans are a difficult team to play against.

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“They are a big, physical team. To get away to a start like that gave them a real foothold in the game so I was pleased we managed to respond.”

Powell added: “There were lots of good-quality performances and as a team at times we look unbelievably difficult to hold.

“We made too many basic errors, but we had to win the game and it gets us back to a platform of being in a good position.

“We have got Huddersfield on Friday night and we need to kick on again and be a bit more consistent over 80 minutes.”