Castleford Tigers chief threatens to rest stars to prove point to RFLeague

His side host St Helens on Sunday knowing they have played twice since their opponents last took to the field.

Powell is outraged about the governing body’s decision to let Huddersfield Giants postpone their Spring Bank Holiday Monday game with Saints due to Huddersfield Town being in the Championship play-off final.

Like most Super League clubs, Castleford were in action on Monday, winning 38-0 at Leigh, having also featured on Friday in the controversial intensive “second Easter” programme.

Meanwhile, Saints – who Powell does not hold responsible – will have a 10-day turnaround given their match against Wigan Warriors was chosen as Sky’s ‘live’ game last Thursday.

After playing two games in four days, Powell told The Yorkshire Post: “I’m going to make decisions this week based on looking after my players as the administrators won’t; if they can’t look after them, I’ll have to look after my own.

“We’ve got a long season and they’re making decisions there that give competitive advantages to other teams. I just think it’s appalling on every single level.”

Asked if that meant he will rest players for Sunday’s game, or leave some out to make a stance against the RFL, Powell added: “It is a bit of both. It’s damaging the comp’ and the integrity of the comp’ has to be questioned, too.

“First of all you have Magic Weekend where there’s an extra game where teams play different opponents and then they do this.

“The RFL has decided we’re going to have some teams treated in one way and others treated in another. They can make as many references to a football final in London as they want.

“It’s just ridiculous. I hope Saints enjoyed watching Monday’s game with their feet up while this group of blokes busted their backsides out there.

“That’s plain wrong. We won’t even train until Thursday. They’ll have trained Monday, Tuesday all focused on us and refreshed while we have to get ready to go.”

Powell’s anger: Page 23