Derby vital for Tigers' hopes '“ Millington

It may only be round nine of Super League, but the Australian feels it is imperative the West Yorkshire club quickly gain some momentum having defeated Leeds Rhinos at the start of Easter before losing in Perpignan on Monday.

They lie eighth ahead of the visit of a Huddersfield side who, surprisingly, sit bottom and Millington admitted: “It’s definitely important to get a win, not only for our fans and ourselves mentally, but it’s a big one for the table.

“The way games have gone recently you can’t really give away too many points.

“You don’t want to lose contact with that top-four. It’s a massive game for us. We really have to win all our home games and it’s a big challenge.”

The 29-year-old, now in his fifth season at Wheldon Road after joining from Canterbury Bulldogs, is surprised that Huddersfield, who just edged them out of the top four last term, have started so poorly.

“I am a bit surprised, but they had a bit of trouble in the off-season and lost a key player (Brett Ferres) there,” added Millington.

“But they are starting to get a lot of their players back now. They are quite strong and a side you can’t discount on their day as if you do they will roll you. They are big all over the park and have plenty of speed and strength on the edges as well as the middle.”

Castleford have a fresh injury worry with former Australia winger Joel Monaghan pulling out due to a back injury.

He joins Luke Dorn, Michael Shenton, Ben Roberts, Oliver Holmes, Junior Moors, Frankie Mariano, Gadwin Springer, and Ash Robson on the sidelines.

However, second-row Matt Cook is back from a two-match suspension, and fellow forward Lee Jewitt could also return.