Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers - Daryl Powell keen for his committed group to end tough year strongly

IT HAS been a difficult season for all clubs, but Castleford Tigers more than most.

Second in Super League before coronavirus shut down the sport, Castleford have won just two of their last 10 games going into tonight’s derby at Leeds Rhinos and tumbled out of play-off contention.

Injuries, particularly to both half-backs, have left Tigers down to the bare bones at times, but they will travel to Leeds buoyed by a hard-fought victory over Hull KR four days ago and coach Daryl Powell feels if they can repeat that effort over the next few weeks they will finish the campaign on a high.

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COMMITED: Castleford's Adam Milner is congratulated by team members on scoring a try against Hull KR last Thursday Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comCOMMITED: Castleford's Adam Milner is congratulated by team members on scoring a try against Hull KR last Thursday Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
COMMITED: Castleford's Adam Milner is congratulated by team members on scoring a try against Hull KR last Thursday Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
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“We were fantastic for a large period of the first half, but then we lost a little bit of discipline and focus and we looked a bit leaky on our own line,” said Powell.

“We conceded a few tries we would want to do better with, but we showed a lot of character and courage after losing Nathan Massey and Jacques O’Neill. “We had to reshuffle and that put pressure on the players, but we showed a lot of commitment to win the game.

“We held firm under a lot of pressure and adversity so it was a really pleasing win and a gutsy effort.

“I think the boys are representing the club with such commitment at the moment, it is admirable.”

Castleford's coach Daryl Powell. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comCastleford's coach Daryl Powell. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Castleford's coach Daryl Powell. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
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While Leeds will make a host of changes to the side beaten at St Helens last Friday, when most of their Challenge Cup-winning side were rested, the majority of Tigers’ team could have to back up.

The likely return of stand-off Jake Trueman and front-rower Liam Watts, however, will give them a significant lift.

Powell insisted: “We’ve just got to do what we can do.

“We have got pretty short turnarounds now for the next two games, but that’s the way it is this year.

“It’s not ideal, but we will just get on with it.”

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