Castleford Tigers target ‘pilot’ game to get fans back in stadium

Castleford Tigers hope to apply for a ‘pilot’ game if rugby league secures the chance to get fans inside grounds ahead of schedule.
Daryl Powell. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comDaryl Powell. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Daryl Powell. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

It was announced this week that the Government wants to allow supporters back in sports stadiums from May 17 as coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease.

However, it has been reported that football will stage some ‘pilot events’ in April and rugby league wants to do likewise.

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If successful, Castleford will be one of the clubs hoping to see fans back in their ground for the first time since last March.

They will put their case forward if the dates tally with one of their home games, with Super League’s 2021 fixture list due to be confirmed tomorrow.

Tigers were one of four Super League clubs to successfully bid for a ‘pilot’ contest last season when they were due to allow up to 1,000 fans in against Hull FC at Wheldon Road on Wednesday September 30.

However, just days after the competition got approval, lockdown restrictions were tightened due to rising incidence rates and no such games went ahead.

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Castleford coach Daryl Powell is pleased with how pre-season is progressing as they “piece together” their game ahead of next month’s kick-off.

Barring the major setback of Sosaia Feki’s Achilles injury, the West Yorkshire club are well-placed as they prepare for their opening league match against Warrington Wolves on March 28.

Firstly, Castleford have Adam Milner’s testimonial game versus Hull KR and Powell said: “We’re three weeks out from that and then five weeks from the season.

“It will come around pretty quick. But pre-season has been great. Training really looks sharp.

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“It’s been difficult at times, either with Covid or the weather which has been really awkward.

“But players are fit and working hard. We’re just piecing our game together now and getting ready for it.”

On seeing fans return, Powell conceded: “It will be amazing. When you take something for granted and then it gets taken away from you, you don’t realise what you’re missing until it happens.

“It’s been so difficult for players more than anybody; you walk out onto that field and are used to that atmosphere.

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“It is one of the main reasons why we all play the game at a professional level as it is such an amazing experience.

“But then a big part of that is taken away. They’ll all be so pleased to see fans back.

“You get a mixture of adulation and abuse but I think we’ll be happy for both!”

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