Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors: Ryan Carr out to unite club and fans with new matchday ritual

Winning is king but the road to success begins long before supporters even set foot in the stadium.

Castleford Tigers have worked tirelessly during the off-season, brainstorming ways to reconnect with a disenchanted fanbase and create a sense of togetherness.

One result is a simple act that symbolises a shift in culture under new head coach Ryan Carr.

For his first Super League game in charge at home to Wigan Warriors, the Tigers will present a united front.

Castleford's new matchday routine sees the squad meet a couple of miles down the road at Xscape before boarding a bus together and travelling to the stadium as one.

By the time they step off and walk through the gates on Wheldon Road, the hope is that the fan zone will be packed with supporters ready to welcome their team.

It is a ritual that feels more like Anfield or Twickenham than the OneBore Stadium, designed to energise the crowd and unite the squad before kick-off.

"We're trying to tap into the new era," said Carr.

"We want to do something a bit different in terms of the matchday experience for our fans by getting the fan zone pumping for a few hours before kick-off. We want our town to have somewhere to come and enjoy the whole experience, not just the game itself.

"We'll be arriving as a group as part of the culture we're trying to build – everything we do, we do it together.

"Many sports do it in America and over here. What we're doing isn't groundbreaking but it's something that will hopefully make our fans enjoy the gameday experience and make our playing group feel more connected. We arrive as one, play as one on the field and leave as one."

From preparing the fan zone to giving the main stand a final lick of paint, the OneBore Stadium has been a hive of activity in the build-up with senior officials rolling up their sleeves to help.

The Tigers are making the best of what they have while the wait for modern facilities continues.

"There's been a huge investment put into the club off the field and we're super appreciative of that," added Carr.

"The stadium will feel new and fresh, which it needs to do because we're coming into a new era at the club.

"It's going to be a good place to be on game day – but we need to generate that atmosphere this place has become renowned for.

"We probably haven't seen the best of it over the past 12 months so to bring that back among the community would be a huge win for us as a footy club."

Castleford have the opportunity to set the tone this weekend when fallen champions Wigan visit.

It is a challenging start but an immediate chance to showcase the traits instilled during pre-season.

"We're as ready as we'll ever be," said Carr with a smile.

"Like round one every year, everyone has had a big pre-season and prepared as best as they can but until you get out there for the first time, you never really know how it's going to go.

"I'm really happy with how the boys have applied themselves this pre-season. I'm looking forward to seeing them get out there on their home pitch.

"Wigan have been the benchmark so we know we're going to get a really strong opposition, which is good for us.

"It's good to see where we're at, as a group and a club. We're excited about it."

The new-look Tigers warmed up for Wigan with a hard-fought Challenge Cup victory at Doncaster, a result that gave Carr's side a much-needed injection of belief after a heavy pre-season defeat to St Helens.

The new era is still very much in its infancy but Carr can already see green shoots.

"I feel like every half of footy we've played we've got better, which is a positive sign for us as a group," said the Australian, who is without Zac Cini and new signing Semi Valemei for the opener.

"We know we're going to continue to build and everything we do is going to be a building process.

"We're on a journey and with so many new players coming in, a new coach, new systems, new everything, it's a brand new start for us, which is exciting.

"But it also takes patience and time to learn and grow and figure out what suits us and how we're going to be the best version of ourselves each different week."

After years spent drifting at the wrong end of Super League, there is extra importance attached to this round one fixture.

Castleford are going all out for the win but the performance is just as crucial in their bid to change the narrative.

"Winning builds that belief and culture we're trying to get to," said Carr.

"While it's round one and there's a long season ahead of us, we want to make sure we're the best version of us every single week and whatever the scoreboard looks like, we can be proud when we walk off that field.

"It's an exciting time for us as a club and a town. It's time to get out there now."