ROARING SUCCESS Tigers ace Eden’s not messing about
The flying winger, 26, has already grabbed eight tries in five matches as the Tigers have shown their title credentials.
His try haul – the second best in the competition – has caught the eye of England boss Wayne Bennett.
And Eden is convinced there is plenty more to come from Cas and their lethal wing duo.
Right-winger Greg Minikin, who is injured for today’s home clash with Catalans, has romped in for nine tries.
It is a red-hot partnership – and a rivalry – that is right up joker Eden’s street.
He said: “It’s Greg’s birthday at the end of this month and the one who hasn’t scored as many tries has to make the birthday cake.
“I’m not too good at baking so I’ll probably have to get my mum to do it. If I did it, it wouldn’t look too great and I’d probably spike it with something horrible.”
Eden admits he loves his practical jokes and is still waiting for one of his victims to get the punchline.
He said: “In pre-season we had breakfast and there were a load of sausages left so I hid them in one of the lads’ bags. He’s not said anything so I don’t know if he doesn’t realise but the smell must be horrible!
“I like playing a few tricks, especially when nobody knows it’s me. We all have a good laugh and we’re a tight-knit group and spend a lot of time together away from rugby.” Eden believes that strong bond is partly JULIE STOTT behind Castleford’s impressive start to the season. Four convincing wins over Leigh, Warrington, Leeds and Widnes were followed by a shock 13-12 defeat at Salford last Sunday.
The Tigers are looking to get back to winning ways against a Dragons side who have not won in three games.
Eden said: “Catalans are a good team with some quality players. We’ve got to make sure we bounce back from that Salford result.”
Red Devils coach Ian Watson admitted he had spotted some weaknesses in the Cas side and targeted them specifically. He refused to say what they were but Eden admits other teams will now be eager to try to copy Salford’s blueprint.
He said: “Teams will definitely be trying to work it out and it is up to us to counter that and come up with something new or do what we were doing better.”
Castleford-born Eden began his career with the Tigers and had spells with Huddersfield, Hull KR and Salford before moving to Brisbane in the NRL two years ago.
Bennett took over as Broncos coach shortly afterwards but only gave him his first-team debut last season, in the World Club Series game against Wigan.
He played just six more games, failing to impress Bennett, before returning to Castleford for this season.
But Bennett admits he has changed his opinion following the winger’s flying start and Eden says he is desperate to make the Australian’s World Cup squad.
He said: “I am sure he will be watching. I have just got to keep on my toes, keep scoring tries and hopefully it will be good news at the end of the season.”
Two of Eden’s tries in the 34-0 defeat of Widnes came on the back of brilliant passes from Michael Shenton.
But Eden insists they practise the spectacular tries. He said: “If we’re finishing these sort of chances it could be vital towards the back end of the season.”