Matterson happy to avoid spotlight

Although Tigers started with a victory over champions Leeds Rhinos at Headingley and pushed highly-fancied Warrington Wolves close last weekend, the spotlight is glaring on their struggling West Yorkshire rivals.

Hosts Bradford are seeking to avoid a third straight defeat after succumbing 38-6 against St Helens on Sunday and the pressure is already mounting.

Matterson said: "The build-up has all been about Bradford and that's fine.

"We don't really care and we're just looking at ourselves.

"We know if we play well we'll be very hard to beat."

Castleford did the double over Bradford last year, defeating them in a bizarre 40-38 triumph at Odsal, one of 10 victories from 13 games on the road.

He does not envisage a repeat scoreline though and said: "I don't think we actually played that well in either of those two games.

"We're better defensively now and I'd be disappointed if we let that many in again.

"I think there's going to be a lot of big turnarounds week to week this season though.

"Harlequins did it last week, beating Catalans after losing heavily versus Warrington, and we've got to make sure it doesn't happen to us at Bradford.

"They've got a lot of good players and we know what they're capable of.

"They don't turn into poor players overnight but I'm only concerned about us."

Catsleford are likely to bring Ryan Clayton in for his first appearance of the season as a direct replacement for the in-form Dean Widders who was injured during the 28-16 loss against Warrington.

A couple of unforced errors saw the game slip away and they are seeking to atone this evening.

"The guys were really disappointed with that defeat," added Matterson.

"Our effort was really good and we defended really well.

"The game broke because of an interception and a dropped ball. There wasn't a lot between the teams.

"(Lee) Briers was probably the difference with his kicking game but we lost the match, they didn't win it.

"Although we conceded 28 points, Warrington only broke our line once.

"There's no reason not to go to Bradford confident in what we've been doing.

"We want more of the same and to tidy up our kicking game. I feel that will make a difference irrespective of what Bradford come up with."