Dream Team reward likely for Castleford

Captain Michael Shenton and hooker Daryl Clark are both expected to be named in the Super League Dream Team when it is unveiled at St Helens this afternoon.

There could be others from Wheldon Road in there, too, but Marc Sneyd will not be one of them.

The stand-off has enjoyed a fine season with Castleford, helping them to a first Challenge Cup final in more than 20 years and also their best ever Super League finish of fourth.

But he has missed out on the No 6 berth in the mythical side – chosen by the sport’s media – with Widnes Vikings’ Kevin Brown getting the nod, narrowly edging out his former Huddersfield Giants team-mate Danny Brough.

Given Kevin Sinfield’s recent decision to quit international football, Brown’s inclusion will again prompt questions about whether the 29-year-old will gain a recall to Steve McNamara’s England squad for the first time since 2010 ahead of the Four Nations.

Castleford coach Daryl Powell made no excuses after Saturday’s shattering 28-6 loss to Catalan Dragons.

Castleford knew victory in Perpignan would secure them top spot for the first time in their 88-year history but they never looked like winning and the result meant St Helens – who they now visit on Friday in the play-offs – claimed the League Leaders’ Shield.

“Catalan are obviously pretty good at home,” said Powell. “They are a big, physical team, and they took a hell of a lot of energy out of us in the first half.

“They had a number of repeat sets while we struggled to put our sets together and we failed to complete a high percentage of them.”

Powell refused to blame the sweltering conditions.

“I still thought we worked really hard throughout, but we just weren’t good enough. Obviously we are disappointed, but we are also delighted we have finished in the top four.”

Despite finishing sixth, Leeds Rhinos have five players in the Super League Dream Team in Zak Hardaker, Kallum Watkins, Ryan Hall, Jamie Peacock and Carl Ablett.

Play-off fixtures

Thursday, Qualifying play-off: Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants (8.00pm) (winners through to week three, losers at home in week two).

Friday, Qualifying play-off: St Helens v Castleford Tigers (8.00pm) (winners through to week three, losers at home in week two).

Saturday: Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings (2.45) (losers eliminated, winners away in week two); Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons (5.15) (losers eliminated, winners away in week two).