Castleford Tigers v Toulouse Olympique: Ryan Carr talks up 'big indicator' in quest for improvement
Ryan Carr believes Castleford Tigers are beginning to reap the rewards of positive change but knows progress must be reflected in results.
The Tigers, who have added Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e, Tyler Dupree and Jack Brown to their squad since the start of the year, have found a level of consistency over the past month despite losing their last two games.
The coming weeks will reveal whether those encouraging signs can be turned into something more tangible.
"The middle period of the competition is the big indicator of where you're going to put yourself come the back end of the season," said Carr ahead of Saturday's home clash with Toulouse Olympique.
"We've had ups and downs and a lot of change. Look at our team that'll be running out against Toulouse this week compared to the one that ran out against them in round two – it's very, very different, which is an indication of growth and things that have happened between then and now.
"We're really happy with how we’ve been playing for the last month. We didn't get the result last weekend but I thought we played really well in a lot of areas. We just want to continue to play well. That's the key.
"It was never going to happen in round one; it's going to take time. But I'm really pleased with the work that has been done so far."
Together with director of rugby Chris Chester, Carr has wasted no time in reshaping the squad he inherited at the end of last year.
Castleford have already announced the signings of former New South Wales star Damien Cook and St George Illawarra Dragons team-mate Mat Feagai for next year, in addition to the long-term recruits that joined the club early in Laulu-Togaga'e, Dupree and Brown.
The Tigers have also been heavily linked with Leigh Leopards prop Robbie Mulhern and playmaker Ben McNamara.
While immediate results remain the priority, Carr is conscious of laying the groundwork for future success.
"We're focused on right now and this week," he added. "The Toulouse game at home on Saturday is my only focus right now.
"But you put your other cap on and it's a business and a big game you're playing so you've got to make sure you put yourself in the best position to continue to get better, not just stagnate.
"That's something we're striving to do every week but also year on year now."