Brown quick to take share of blame

Huddersfield play host to Engage Super League leaders Wigan, who systematically picked them apart in Edinburgh just a fortnight ago, a defeat which preceded their embarrassing 60-4 Challenge Cup loss at home to Warrington last Saturday.

Both performances were deeply uncharacteristic of the side Brown has moulded during his 18 months at the Galpharm but the Australian concedes his personal issues have not helped.

He finally announced earlier this week that, after persistent rumours suggesting so, he will be returning early to Australia at the end of the season for family reasons. Now Brown is hoping to concentrate on returning his side to the sort of form to which they are more accustomed.

"Losses like that probably build up over a period of time," he said. "They don't happen overnight. It's probably an accumulation of small things and, as a coach, I have to put my hand up.

"I could have been a bit harder on some people and there are some players that will probably put their hands up too. There are a couple of areas where we took our eyes off the ball and as a group we let ourselves down a little bit. But the key is that we come out and put in a good performance. The challenge is to go out there and play well.

"We know if we do that consistently for a number of weeks on end things will come good for us. It doesn't matter who the opponent is this week – we know we have to take some key steps forward."

Castleford coach Terry Matterson takes his side to in-form Harlequins admitting he has had to sacrifice his side's attractive football to end their losing habit and put them on course for a third successive win.

"We've been known to be expansive but we've had to play more conservative recently," he said, following crucial wins over Salford and Catalans.

"It's probably not as easy on the eye for some people but we've got the right results and a lot of confidence back.

"We'll have to be good again as Harlequins have certainly turned it around themselves."

Castleford are bolstered with fit-again back-rowers Brett Ferres and Dean Widders both ready to make their first appearances since February.

Hull KR entertain Crusaders tomorrow desperate to end a three-match losing run while Hull FC are in France tonight to play Catalans Dragons.