Castleford Tigers aiming to show they deserve respect

Oliver Holmes, crossing for a try against Wakefield, is aiming to return against Wigan. (Picture: Allan McKenzie)

Second-placed Wigan prospered 33-26 in Super League at Wheldon Road last month but they meet again in an intriguing Challenge Cup quarter-final at DW Stadium tomorrow evening.

Castleford have won just one of their last four games and, therefore, are firm outsiders to progress.

However, they have fond memories of the venue having won there at the same stage in 2014 –Wigan’s first Challenge Cup home defeat in 28 years – before surging on to Wembley where they lost to Leeds Rhinos.

“It’s a tough challenge, no doubt,” said Powell. “They are a really physical side, well-organised, disciplined, kick well and put you under pressure so you know you have to be all of the above and a little bit more to beat them.

“But I’m confident. A couple of weeks back, we had a really poor performance (at home to Widnes) but in all the games around that we’ve been really good.

“Even though we lost to Hull last week, we went pretty well and scored more tries than them.

“We’ve played all the perceived better sides in the comp’ and challenged them all so there’s no reason to fear anyone.

“I heard Shaun Wane say, when Wigan fortuitously beat us here, they were four out of 10.

“I thought that was a bit disrespectful myself. I think if we bring our A game on Saturday, I‘m not really interested in what Wigan bring.”

After the agonising 24-22 defeat to league leaders Hull, Castleford are without cup-tied on-loan winger Paddy Flynn and are hit by the continued loss of captain Luke Gale (ankle).

They are bolstered, though, by the return of second-rows Mike McMeeken and Oli Holmes.

McMeeken, in fine form this term, missed the Hull game due to illness but Holmes (knee) has not featured since the 26-12 league loss at Wigan in April.

Powell is relishing the chance to see his industrious forward in action again.

“He’s missed a lot hasn’t he?” said the coach.

“Oli’s a great personality, a tough character who plays tough, hits hard, does all the dirty stuff and it’s great to have him in and around the team again.”