Ryan Carr insists Castleford Tigers are concentrating on the "small picture" despite the chance to close the gap on the teams above them this weekend.

The Tigers have much-needed momentum after dismantling St Helens before the break to claim back-to-back wins for the first time since July 2024.

Victory over Leigh on Friday night would take Castleford level on points with the seventh-placed Leopards and leave Carr's men within touching distance of the play-offs.

Carr, though, is solely focused on giving the Wheldon Road faithful another performance to be proud of.

"What's motivating is trying to be the version of us that we know we can be and doing that on a consistent basis," he said.

"Belief is strong at the moment and there's a real good understanding of the level of performance required.

"We're not looking at the big picture; we're looking at the small picture, which is priding ourselves on being better at home and playing our best footy here.

"The St Helens game was the best example of the team we want to be and what we've been working towards. Understanding what it feels like and looks like is important.

Castleford are in good heart after back-to-back wins. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Castleford are in good heart after back-to-back wins. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

"It's our job to try and replicate that positive performance and our effort areas. We're just trying to duplicate that."

Castleford could have another fresh face in their 17 after Jack Brown joined fellow midseason signings Tyler Dupree and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e at Wheldon Road this week.

Carr will make a late decision on the 25-year-old, who only linked up with his new team-mates on Tuesday following a Wembley farewell with Hull KR.

"He's got great experience," said Carr. "For a young forward, he's played a lot of rugby league and been in some really good systems and winning systems.

Ryan Carr, right, celebrates the win over St Helens with Alex Mellor. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

"He's really hungry to get an opportunity. He's stoked to be here and we're really happy to have him."

Carr will be forced into a change on the right wing after Semi Valemei was handed a three-match ban for 'unnecessary contact' with an injured player.

His coach believes he is the victim of his own compassion.

"Semi is one of the most genuine and kind-hearted people you’ll ever meet in rugby league," said Carr.

Semi Valemei misses out this week. (Photo: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com)

"What happened was he's seen a player in real distress on the ground and has flagged for the referee to stop the game. He was concerned he was having a seizure and tried to roll him into the recovery position.

"I love that my players have that type of mentality to want to help someone who is in deep need. I don't understand the ruling when there was no malice other than to help him."

Castleford have parted ways with Brett Delaney since their last game.

Carr would not be drawn on the reasons for his assistant's departure.

"I'd rather keep stuff that happens here at our club between those involved in it," said the Tigers boss. "That's our business, without being rude.

"We've got a really good crew of people who all want to help and for the team to succeed. Everyone is chipping in to pick up the workload."