Rare try prompts trip down memory lane for Tigers’ Massey

The industrious loose forward chalked up his 100th Super League appearance in Saturday’s impressive 25-4 win over Hull KR and scored his first try in nine months to mark the occasion.

One of the sport’s quiet achievers, the 25-year-old admitted: “To be fair, I didn’t even know about that.

“It was a nice way to celebrate, with a try and a win.

“My last score was away at Leeds last year. I don’t get many, so it’s probably something I’ll remember. Forwards like me always do.”

Castleford’s pack were voracious against one of Super League’s form teams and, in Massey’s own words, proved “utterly dominant.”

It means they have now won four of their last five fixtures to rise up to sixth ahead of Sunday’s trip to struggling Widnes Vikings

“Hull KR have been going well this year and scoring tries for fun, so to keep them to four points was pleasing - and that came off an error by us,” added Massey.

“We just seem to be turning up for each other and everyone seems to be gelling now.

“I thought our forwards did an outstanding job and it was good to get Lee Jewitt back, to add a bit of spice in there for us.

“Widnes had a couple of bad results over Easter, though going over there will be a tough game.

“It’s a bit different playing on their artificial pitch but, hopefully, the conditions will be dry again as I think that suits us and our attack and how we play.”

Meanwhile, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats chairman Michael Carter has backed his head coach James Webster, despite Saturday’s 80-0 defeat at Warrington stretching their winless run to eight games.

Having won their opening two matches of the season against Castleford and Hull KR, the Wildcats have not picked up a point since February 15.

Australian Webster, 35, took over in June last year after being promoted from Richard Agar’s assistant and duly helped them secure Super League status.

Trinity have been struck by injuries but Carter said: “I’ve given him my full backing.

“It’s never crossed my mind (to sack Webster).

“James is doing the job to the best of his ability, as I am and I firmly believe James will pull us round.

“It’s been a tough eight weeks, but I’ve got to support him and the players as well have to take some personal responsibility.”

Veteran Leeds Rhinos prop Kylie Leuluai, 37, faces another six weeks on the sidelines after being told he needs shoulder surgery. The New Zealander has not played since the leaders only defeat at Warrington a month ago but his injury has now been properly diagnosed.

“We thought his biceps were the problem but he’s actually got a bit of floating tissue in his shoulder which he’s going to have cleaned out,” said head coach Brian McDermott, who knew the prop would miss three months if surgery had been required.

“He will be out for four to six weeks but it’s great news. He has still got an important role to play with us.

“I think we’ve missed him over Easter, not just the extra body, but some of the direct carries he gives you.”