Wigan Warriors 26 Castleford Tigers 16: Matterson expresses concern for Tigers’ well-being

IRATE Castleford Tigers coach Terry Matterson feels the Rugby Football League have risked his players’ health after forcing them to face champions Wigan Warriors last night.

The depleted West Yorkshire club shrugged off the absence of 11 regulars to almost defeat the champions in their re-arranged game at the DW Stadium.

But Matterson, who was also annoyed by a crucial video referee decision that went against his brave side, was more concerned about the long-term effects the fixture will have on his injury-hit squa-.

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“I’m really proud of the players,” he said, after they backed up impressively from Friday’s heavy loss against leaders Warrington, who were subsequently usurped at the top by Wigan last night.

“We had 11 players out, then lost a front-rower in the first 10 minutes and had another stretchered off at the end, but we’re not getting any favours.

“I think the welfare of the players has been compromised playing the game at this time and I’m worried about that.

“We’ve got to back up again in four days against Bradford and it’s no good.

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“It’s like another Easter for us. Wigan will be able to roll their players around but we can’t.”

The round three fixture was originally scheduled for February but was postponed due to Wigan’s involvement in the World Club Challenge.

Castleford, like Wigan, are in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals and had hoped to delay last night’s game until after then in case both sides were knocked out and, so, could consequently play on the free semi-final weekend of August 6.

But Matterson said: “Wigan asked for this date and I know why Wigan got it.

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“Maybe the DW might not have been available when we asked to play but your ground should be.

“Part of our (licence) bid is about our ground not being up to date but the Coliseum is free and available all the time.”

Matterson announced on Monday he will leave at the end of the season but whoever takes over the Tigers will have plenty to work with.

They fielded eight homegrown players aged 21 or under last night and led 16-10 at half-time following a display rich in character and desire.

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Although the hosts predictably powered back in the second period, a controversially disallowed ‘try’ from Brett Ferres on the hour mark could have seen them earn a famous victory.

Matterson said: “It was a gutsy performance but I thought we couldn’t get a 50:50 all night.

“Brett Ferres says he got the ball down and I just thought that had to be benefit of the doubt.”

Even the Wigan coach Michael Maguire was caught on camera looking bemused when video referee Phil Bentham ruled out the effort following countless inconclusive replays as to whether Chris Tuson’s leg had denied the Castleford centre.

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As it was, the gallant visitors became the third Yorkshire club to lose at the DW Stadium in just 11 days after both Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos had fallen but their defensive effort last night was outstanding, encapsulated when Ferres did brilliantly to deny Thomas Leuluai late on when the game was already up.

In that first half, amid slanting rain, they controlled the ball better than their illustrious hosts and proved determined and physical defenders.

Josh Charnley had given Wigan a fourth-minute lead, Paul Deacon converting, but it did not start the expected points avalanche.

Instead, the Tigers – already further weakened after prop Nick Fozzard limped off in the early moments and with Jake Emmitt stretchered off in the last minute – responded with their first attack on 11 minutes, ex-Wigan second-row Stuart Jones sliding over after a cleverly delayed pass from Ryan McGoldrick had confused Brett Finch.

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They clinically seized their second chance soon after when a set move involving Rangi Chase and McGoldrick saw Dean Widders fire out a wonderful long ball which winger Richie Owen mopped up with aplomb to leave the majority of a 13,096 crowd stunned.

Joe Arundel kicked the touchline conversion and, even though Charnley added his second, Castleford remained unflustered.

Disciplined in possession, they made excellent yards up Wigan’s usually dominant middle, and they regained the advantage when Sam Tomkins could not hold on to Chase’s grubber on his own line.

John Davies – a 20-year-old only playing his first Super League game of the year – dived on the loose ball four minutes before the break to score and Arundel added the extras.

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Liam Farrell’s 48th-minute try saw Deacon draw level before George Carmont and Ryan Hoffman tries put Wigan in front but Castleford, who saw loan signing Rob Parker make an impressive debut, will rue Ferress’ disallowed effort at 26-16 with 20 minutes to go.

Wigan Warriors: S Tomkins; Charnley, J Tomkins, Carmont, Goulding; Finch, Deacon; Mossop, Leuluai, Lima, Hansen, Farrell, O’Loughlin. Substitutes: Hoffman, Tuson, McIlorum, Hock.

Castleford Tigers: McGoldrick; Eden, Arundel, Ferres, Owen; Widders, Chase; Fozzard, Milner, Emmitt, Jones, Holmes, Snitch. Substitutes: Massey, Davies, Clark, Parker.

Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens)