Tigers determined to ease the pain ahead of tragic Millward’s return

He has told the club he will return to Wheldon Road on Monday after missing the last two games following the sudden death of son Robbie.

Assistant Stuart Donlan presided over defeats against Wigan and Leeds and takes charge for the final time when Castleford face London Broncos this afternoon.

“We’ve got a meeting with the players and all the staff on Monday at one o’clock,” he said.

“Ian’s got a few things he needs to say to everyone. He’s in good spirits and watched the (Leeds) game last Friday on Sky with his family. We had a good chat first thing Monday morning and he rang me again that evening to discuss how training had gone.

“We spoke about the squad and selections for this week and who he wants to play in the reserves to get some game time in.

“The unfortunate thing is it would have been Robbie’s birthday on Saturday so it’s another hurdle he’s to get over.”

Castleford have lost each of their last four games but were spirited against Leeds and have their best chance yet of ending that run when they play in the capital this afternoon.

Struggling London have yet to pick up a point and Donlan admits the squad – with Millward’s imminent return – are desperate to make sure that does not change.

“The aim this week is to welcome Ian back with two more points on the ladder and make his return a lot easier,” he said.

“It would be nice for him to be able to sit down and watch a winning team when he looks at the video on Sunday night.”

Brett Ferres is suspended meaning veteran Ryan Hudson could make his first appearance of the season.