Castleford Tigers coach Danny McGuire to steal page from Hull KR playbook after humbling loss

"My expectations were that we'd compete a bit harder, whether it was a win or not," said McGuire after watching Castleford claim an impressive victory at Hull FC in their previous game.

"I thought we would be in a position to really challenge but I just don't think we did.

"I'm going to give them credit because I thought they were really professional in the way they did things. They didn't make many mistakes, don't miss many tackles and they're really disciplined.

"We found it hard to stay in that battle and were the first ones to break. We've got to learn and understand what the benchmark looks like.

"We'll review the bits that Hull KR are doing really well and try to pinch it, replicate it and realise that if you do it, good things will happen."

Rovers and Wigan Warriors were the standout teams in Super League in 2024 and appear on course for a Grand Final rematch this October.

While he identified hometown club Leeds Rhinos as a potential threat to the top two, McGuire conceded that the chasing pack remain some distance behind.

"I'd say they're a fair bit ahead and Leeds aren't too far behind them," added the 42-year-old, whose side remain in 10th place with eight points ahead of next week's clash with Wigan.

"There are a few clubs that are in the bracket below that we're trying to jag our way into it.

"I think everyone would agree that Hull KR and Wigan are the two teams to try and replicate. They've got the best players as well, which always helps.

"They're doing really good things on and off the field. We're trying to get there. We're doing some really good things but performances are a bit inconsistent from all of us at the minute."