Ready for challenge as Tigers return to action

They head to Warrington Wolves having vanquished Leigh Centurions in their opener a fortnight ago but then had last weekend off due to the World Club Series.

“It’s been a long time between matches for us,” said Powell.

“It’s ridiculous that you play one game then have another one off, but there’s not a lot you can do about it, it’s part of the calendar.

“You are kicking your heels a bit for a week then we’ve got some focus again this week leading into the Warrington game.

“You want to be hardened really and a consistent nature of games until you get to play one every three days for a couple of periods. We worked on a fair few things leading towards Wolves and they changed the team around so it’s hard; you end up preparing for a slightly different team but we’ve had time to do it.”

Warrington, of course, did wonders for Super League by beating Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Series last Saturday.

Powell admitted: “If they play like they did last week it will be a real challenge for us; I thought they were superb.

“But we’ve been talking and thinking about ourselves as a top-four club for a fair while now and, if you are going do that, these are the challenges you’ve got to face.

“I was pleased for the English game with both of the matches against the Australian clubs.

“Warrington looked sharp, athletic and strong and really challenged Brisbane, putting them under so much pressure with the way they moved the ball.”

Meanwhile, a court case to hear Castleford’s legal action against former player Denny Solomona is set to be adjourned, raising prospects of settling out of court.

Tigers are seeking damages of around £500,00 against the winger, as well as Sale Sharks and Solomona’s agent Andy Clarke, for allegedly inducing a breach of contract to move to rugby union.

Their case was expected to begin in the High Court in Leeds today but it is understood it will be adjourned and that the two parties have opened settlement negotiations.