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Orr says lessons have been learned for play-off tilt
Castleford Tigers captain Danny Orr would readily swap last season’s electric start for a play-off spot in 2012.
The experienced scrum-half was at the heart of their impressive Super League opening when they won seven of their first eight games to lead the rest.
However, they dropped off alarmingly and were unable to sustain their form, eventually missing out on the top eight.
Castleford are under a new coach this term following Ian Millward’s arrival and, as they prepare for tomorrow’s opening game at Salford City Reds, Orr accepts they must improve their consistency.
“We all say it’s a marathon and not a sprint and we realised that after last year,” he said.
“We started really well and finished really poorly. As long as we end up there at the end of the year this time it doesn’t matter what happens in between but we want to be consistent.”
The 33-year-old believes Millward’s input has had a beneficial effect but warns supporters not to expect too much too soon.
“It’s been good with different ideas and not just a new coach but different assistants, physios, conditioners and players so there’s been a big change,” he said.
“The lads have bought into what Basil (Millward) is trying to do and it is fresh but the proof’s in the pudding.
“Training’s gone well but until we do it week in, week out you just don’t know. I’m confident if we are consistent we have every chance of making the eight.”
As Castleford arrive at the new Salford City Stadium, Orr is only too aware that his own club need to see their own ground plans begin to take shape if they are going to become more dominant in Super League.
“It is something as a club we need to do,” he admitted. “As players, though, there’s not much we can do and it’s out of our hands.
“The club is definitely pushing, it’s ongoing and, hopefully, in a couple of months we’ll have a final decision and it will be all go.”
Orr, whose father Paul played for both Castleford and Salford, said: “Salford are pretty much unknowns this year.
“They have that new stadium and have had big changes with Phil Veivers taking over as coach.
“Sean Long is there as assistant and I think he’ll be really good for them. Longy was a fantastic player and if he can rub off on them what he knows they’ll go well.
“Leeds, Wigan, Saints and Warrington will be up there as always but the chasing pack have all bought well so it’s going to be a push to get in the play-offs.”
Bradford Bulls have signed ex-Halifax and Swinton prop Phil Joseph on a 12-month deal after a successful trial.
Leeds Rhinos’ postponed Super League game with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats will now take place on Monday, June 18 at Headingley Carnegie, kick off 8pm.
Ex-Halifax, Huddersfield and England hooker Paul Rowley has taken over as Leigh coach after the club failed to obtain a work visa for ex-Leeds, Castleford and New Zealand centre Richie Blackmore.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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