Catalans Dragons v Castleford Tigers: Ryan Carr encouraged by progress at halfway mark
Castleford Tigers boss Ryan Carr is optimistic about what the second half of the Super League season could bring after an encouraging run of performances.
The Tigers ended their long wait for back-to-back wins last month before running top-six hopefuls Leigh Leopards close.
Despite that setback, belief is growing as they prepare to face Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.
"The boys have got a really good mindset at the moment and are enjoying playing together," said Carr.
"The last month has probably been our best month of the season so far. We've been the team we want to be and that we've been working towards.
"We've got a really good vibe amongst the group. They're really hungry to play well."
Castleford have added reinforcements after an injury-hit start to the year, with recent arrival Jack Brown set for his debut on Saturday.
Carr is hopeful that the Tigers will enjoy smoother progress from here on out.
"I'd like to think so," he said. "The excuse of being a new team is gone now. We've got to continue to grow and build."
This week's hosts sit just two points clear of Castleford – a consequence of their poor away record.
But Carr knows just how dangerous the Dragons can be on home turf.
"They've got strike across the park and a good spine that can get you from anywhere," he said.
"They've got a bit of unpredictability about them, I suppose, which is always hard to handle.
"They compete really hard. We know they're really strong at their home ground. We know it's going to take a lot of hard work and are mentally prepared for what's coming. We've just got to make sure we go out and execute our job on game day."