'˜We were just dumb', blasts Tigers' Powell

CASTLEFORD Tigers head coach Daryl Powell claimed his side suffered from 'brain explosions' to self-destruct against Hull KR.
Hull Kingston Rovers' Josh Mantellato, scoring a try.Hull Kingston Rovers' Josh Mantellato, scoring a try.
Hull Kingston Rovers' Josh Mantellato, scoring a try.

They threw away a winning position in the final minute when Ben Crooks missed a tackle and Josh Mantellato scored in the corner, then kicking from the touchline into a fierce wind to level at 16-16.

“We were just dumb if I’m being honest,” said Powell.

“We had that game won; it was tight all the way through, we worked hard but a couple of brain explosions from some players really hurt us.

Hull Kingston Rovers' Josh Mantellato, scoring a try.Hull Kingston Rovers' Josh Mantellato, scoring a try.
Hull Kingston Rovers' Josh Mantellato, scoring a try.
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“We kept gifting them the ball and they were finally able to take advantage right in the corner.

“It was a great kick from Mantellato though and they deserved it.

“We just weren’t great all game; it was tough conditions and we need to pick ourselves up and be a fair bit better than that.

“I thought there was one period where we might have bobbed a drop-goal over, but the game was a difficult one to play in. I still thought we should have won, though.”

Hull Kingston Rovers' Josh Mantellato, scoring a try.Hull Kingston Rovers' Josh Mantellato, scoring a try.
Hull Kingston Rovers' Josh Mantellato, scoring a try.
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Castleford lost captain Michael Shenton to a knee injury in the first half following a challenge from John Boudebza that irked Powell but wasn’t spotted by the officials.

“That was a bad tackle – that’s got to be out of the game,” he said.

“Shenny doesn’t look great, but we won’t be certain until he has a scan.

“It’s disappointing to lose our captain; we won’t know for sure until he gets the scan but he’ll definitely have a period on the sidelines.

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“That said, I thought Jake (Webster) stepped in and did really well in his absence.

“It’s gone on report has the tackle, but it needs looking at.”

Powell, meanwhile, praised Hull KR head coach Chris Chester who had been under heavy pressure after some poor pre-season performances.

“I’m pleased for Chezzy as he’s copped loads of stick and credit to Hull KR for that (result),” he said. “He deserves the opportunity to crack on and keep doing his job without such stick.”