Lynch-pin!
TIGER FEAT FOR EVERGREEN ANDY AS PROP ROARS WAY TO 500
ANDY LYNCH celebrates hi s l a ndmark 5 0 0 t h appearance today – seven years after he thought he would have to quit.
The evergreen Castleford prop still leads the way at training and is a major reason behind the Tigers’ title push.
But Lynch admits he never dreamed he would become Super League’s oldest player – or be in the hunt for trophies at the age of 37.
He said: “When I first started out 19 years ago people kept telling me to do what I could because when you get to 30 you are retiring.
“It’s an achievement to get to 500 but it does make me feel old. However, I am loving every minute of it.” Lynch – one of only a handful of players in Super League who were playing first team in the last century – made his debut for Cas in 1999 before joining Bradford in 2005. Af t e r s e ve n years there – and more than 200 appearances – he moved to Hull for two years where he played 59 times. But it is at Castleford, whom he rejoined in 2014, where his heart and his ambitions lie.
He said: “There are no superstars in our team.
“The 17 who take to the field always work for each other and have the right attitude.
“It is great to see what is happening and it’s also really good that the fans are getting behind us and are excited with what is happening.
“But we will keep our feet firmly on the ground, stay level-headed and keep learning.
“Even though we have been winning most weeks, everyone knows there is still improvement in us. We are still building.”
Castleford have cut a swathe through Super League t his s eason with their off-the-cuff rugby and look to strengthen their grip on the lead against struggling Warrington today.
But Lynch says the thrilling brand they play comes off the back of intense work on the training field and a mentality to dig in when the going gets tough.
He said: “We have had a few tough games this year and come out on the right side because every single player wants to prove their worth.”
Lynch had a contract option to play on next season but has decided to retire at the end of this campaign to spend more time with his family.
Captain Michael Shenton says he will be sad to lose his mate but has no doubts that he’ll want to go out on a high with some silverware.
Shenton said: “He has played such a high level for such a long time because he’s such a good professional.
“He sets the standards right through training and always leads the fitness stuff. He takes extra sessions and is always on the go.” Castleford v Warrington Today, 3.30pm