Castleford Tigers boss Ryan Carr has issued a staunch defence of Mikaele Ravalawa following the winger's high-profile error against Leeds Rhinos.

Leeds scored the opening try after Ravalawa failed to challenge for a high kick, with a clip of the incident quickly going viral.

The Fiji international will be in the spotlight when Castleford host St Helens in the Challenge Cup on Saturday – and Carr hopes it will be for the right reasons.

"He knows he got it wrong but we have to move on," said Carr.

"What we think about him and what he thinks about himself are the most important things.

"We know who he is. He ran for over 200 metres against Leeds, scored a try and made a line break straight through the middle.

"People want to talk about one moment – well, what about the other positive things he did in that game for us? He competed extremely hard.

"He's doing a lot right. We need to keep focusing on what he's doing well. We know the player we've got. That's all that matters."

placeholder image — Mikaele Ravalawa has been backed to recover from his high-profile derby error. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

Castleford have shown signs of improvement since Carr's off-season arrival but turn their attention to the cup with just one win to show for their early efforts in Super League.

The change of competition offers the Tigers a chance to produce a complete performance in a knockout setting.

"It's a great competition, " said Carr. "Every game is do or die.

"We've spoken a lot about how important it is to us. We've improved in so many areas as a new team and want to keep improving.

Castleford have tried hard without reward so far. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"We need to make sure we get some consistency, even within a game. We've had big periods where we've been really good but small periods are costing us. We've got to remain consistent for the full 80."

Like Castleford, St Helens are still finding their feet under a new coach after Paul Rowley replaced Paul Wellens in the hot seat.

Saints lost at Warrington Wolves in round one before bouncing back with wins over Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons.

Rowley's side head to Wheldon Road on the back of an unconvincing home victory against Bradford Bulls, when four more players joined a growing list of absentees.

"Irrespective of injuries, I always fancy our chances," said Carr.

"That's how we have to think. We can't think any other way.

"I don't read into injuries and who's in and who's out. All I read into is who's running out in our jersey and how they play."