Shenton ready to put familiar French foes to the sword again

ENGLAND centre Michael Shenton's international experience has freshened him up in readiness for Castleford's crucial contest against Catalans Dragons.

He features for the West Yorkshire club in tonight's re-arranged Super League game having scored twice in England's 60-6 rout of France on Saturday.

However, rather than suffering the jaded effects of that game, Shenton feels revitalised as hosts Castleford aim to secure their first triumph in four matches.

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"Getting a win under my belt has given me a bit of confidence and it was nice to finally get some tries for England," he said, having failed to get off the mark in his previous nine internationals.

"It had been getting a bit of a worry. Being in camp with England is always good as it mixes things up during a long season but it's also great to get back to Castleford.

"This match is vital for us. We know for our season to kick on we really need to get a result. The pressure is there but, hopefully, that won't show in our performance."

Castleford are six points adrift of the top eight and have not won since defeating bottom-placed Catalans in Edinburgh last month.

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Shenton, who is being chased as a replacement for Australian star Matt Gidley at St Helens next season, is familiar with the visitors as 11 of the French side he faced at the weekend are included this evening while he also played in Super League and pre-season victories in Perpignan earlier this year.

Furthermore, the Dragons – with just two wins all season – have former Castleford scrum-half Brent Sherwin, who made a shock move from The Jungle last month.

"It did surprise me a little and it's a shame," said Shenton, following the high-profile Australian's exit. "He's our leading half-back and although he struggled with form for a bit he was just starting to show real signs.

"Brent's kicking game is up there with the best when he's on fire and he'll run the show unless we pressurise him.

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"We put in a decent performance against Wigan and Hull but didn't do it for 80 minutes and that's the aim for Catalans."

Kevin Walters has hooker Casey McGuire returning and influential full-back Clint Greenshields could possibly make a comeback after a broken leg but Castleford are also bolstered by the return of Rangi Chase and Steve Snitch.

Huddersfield Giants stand-off Kevin Brown, who made his England debut against France, has signed a new five-and-a-half year deal at Galpharm Stadium, ending speculation he may leave for the NRL.

Wakefield captain Jason Demetriou, 34, is looking for a new club next season after confirming Trinity will not be offering him a new contract for 2011.

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The Australian has been at Belle Vue since 2004 and believes he can perform for another season in Super League.

Hull FC academy player Sam Walsh has been banned for two years after being found guilty of taking an anabolic steroid, although he blamed a contaminated supplement.