Castleford Tigers braced to go behind enemy lines in Lancashire in bid for Super League glory

Castleford Tigers head coach Daryl Powell.
(Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
) — Castleford Tigers head coach Daryl Powell. (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe )

Warrington Wolves v Castleford Tigers – Cheyse Blair set on helping Tigers pull ...

The West Yorkshire club start their bid for glory from the invidious position of fifth when they visit Warrington Wolves in the Super League elimination play-off tonight.

As the competition’s lowest-ranked team – and Yorkshire’s sole representative – they will have to do it the hard way if they are going to win the Grand Final in Manchester on October 12.

Dangerman: Warrington Wolves' Blake Austin (Picture: PA)

Castleford face sudden-death fixtures each week, starting at fourth-placed Warrington but facing potential games at Salford Red Devils, Wigan Warriors and even leaders St Helens if they are to reach Old Trafford.

It is no surprise some bookmakers list them at 33/1 to lift the championship for a first time in their 93-year history.

“Fifth is a tough spot to do it from because everything’s away from home,” conceded Powell.

Last Yorkshire team standing - Daryl Powell's
Castleford Tigers (Picture: Bruce Rollinson) — Last Yorkshire team standing - Daryl Powell's Castleford Tigers (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

“It is a tough challenge; every game’s in Lancashire and it’s always raining in Lancashire – or seems to be when we go there.

“But I think we can do anything we want.

“You have got to turn up with the right mentality and your game has to be outstanding.

“Your defence has got to be consistent for 80 minutes. We have been that a fair bit.

“I think our attacking play’s the big thing; if we get it right and it’s accurate we have a great chance of doing something special.”

Tigers’ attacking game left a lot to be desired when they lost – in the rain – at Wigan a week ago.

That said, Challenge Cup holders Warrington are in abject form, suffering the traditional Wembley winners’ hangover.

Star stand-off Blake Austin is back from injury, though, and Powell appreciates his threat.

Asked how his side can deal with the Australian’s dynamism, he said: “The starting point is making sure you look after the ruck. If it’s quick in there, not just him, but Daryl Clark’s fantastic out of nine and will cause you a lot of trouble. Blake Austin’s been great if it’s quick. He’s got the speed to get in behind the ruck and cause you trouble and his left foot step is pretty big.”