Castleford Tigers finally have the formula to win trophies says Peter Mata’uita

SINCE THEIR near-miss three years ago, when they dominated Super League only to fall at the final hurdle, Castleford Tigers have largely been discounted as title contenders, but Samoan back Peter Mata’utia believes that is about to change.
15 March  2020 .....    Castleford Tigers v  St Helens. Super League.
Tigers Peter Mata'utia. Picture Tony Johnson15 March  2020 .....    Castleford Tigers v  St Helens. Super League.
Tigers Peter Mata'utia. Picture Tony Johnson
15 March 2020 ..... Castleford Tigers v St Helens. Super League. Tigers Peter Mata'utia. Picture Tony Johnson

Though they made an impressive start to the season, winning five of their opening seven games to sit second in the table, Castleford are rated by competition sponsors Betfred as only 8/1 joint-fourth favourites for Grand Final glory in 2020.

The first of this season’s victories, against Toronto Wolfpack, has been wiped from the record after the Canadian club withdrew from the competition, but Tigers remain well placed, trailing leaders Wigan Warriors only on points difference.

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With no games in hand, Castleford are facing a slightly less crowded schedule than some other clubs once Super League resumes following the coronavirus shutdown and Mata’utia is confident they can turn some heads.

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 20/07/2020 - Rugby League - Super League - Castleford Tigers Training, The Mend-a-Hose Jungle, Castleford, England - Castleford Tiger's coach Daryl Powell leads training at the club's home ground after the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 20/07/2020 - Rugby League - Super League - Castleford Tigers Training, The Mend-a-Hose Jungle, Castleford, England - Castleford Tiger's coach Daryl Powell leads training at the club's home ground after the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 20/07/2020 - Rugby League - Super League - Castleford Tigers Training, The Mend-a-Hose Jungle, Castleford, England - Castleford Tiger's coach Daryl Powell leads training at the club's home ground after the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.

“The boys have turned up in good shape, we have been pretty slick with the ball, which is pretty cool,” he said of Tigers’ return to training ahead of their comeback game against Catalans Dragons on Saturday, August 8.

“At the same time, we expected to come back in decent shape, especially how we finished before the lockdown.

“There are high expectations in the team group and the coaching staff too and we definitely feel like there’s something to be done really good this year.”

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Tigers beat champions St Helens 28-14 on March 15 in the final Super League game before all rugby league in this country was suspended.

That was an indication of what coach Daryl Powell’s side are capable of and Mata’utia reckons reaching and winning finals is a realistic target.

“I definitely don’t think that is a goal that’s out of reach,” he insisted.

“Since I have been at this club it has seemed like a big building process until this year and I think we have finally got the formula we’ve been trying for the past three years.

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“We have been in the mix since I have been here, which is a good thing; I definitely think we are a top-three team, but it is not going to come easy.

“We will have to work hard for it and it will be interesting with all these new rules and the amount of time we’ve got to train for it.”

Castleford slipped up twice before the shutdown, losing at Catalans and Warrington Wolves, but Mata’utia saw enough in their victories over Toronto, Wigan, Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR to believe they will be contenders at the end of this year.

He observed: “I thought we were pretty consistent, besides a few injuries and suspensions.

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“We have got great depth in the team, a lot of young kids who are training and will get a debut this year. I’m excited for them and for what this club can do.”

Castleford are in their second week of training and Mata’utia, a mid-season signing from Leigh Centurions in 2018, added: “It’s exciting to get back in and get a bit of normality back.

“It is pretty weird thinking we play next weekend, but I think once the boys get to watch the games this weekend that will make it a bit easier.”

Tigers are more than a rugby team; the club is at the centre of its community and, while he admitted he has enjoyed spending unexpected time with his family during lockdown, Mata’utia feels the town needs the sport back up and running.

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“It’s for the neighbours and the fans, that’s where I get the buzz to play,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get some footy back, the community deserves it and it will be good once we can get back playing at the Jungle.”

Tigers’ first game of the restarted season will be played at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium. And, until September at the earliest – matches will be played behind closed doors at either Leeds or St Helens.

“I think the most important thing is the game will be back,” said Mata’utia.

“At least it gives the community something to watch on TV.

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“The NRL games are on now, but everyone would like to see their own team on TV as well.

“I think it’s just important we get some rugby back first and eventually the fans will be able to get in and have a watch and we’ll be fine from there.”

Catalans were one of Super League’s form sides before Covid-19 brought the season to an unexpected halt, so Castleford will need to be on their mettle from the first whistle.

“I think it is very important for us to get a good start, especially with the stacked up games in October,” said Mata’utia, who could revert from centre to full-back in place of Jordan Rankin following his return to Australia since Tigers last played.

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“Catalans are a big team and a well-balanced team and then we’ve got Hull FC the week after who are pretty good all over the park too.

“It will be a tough start, but if we can get a good start hopefully it will help get us to where we want to be towards the end of the year.”