Mind the Sin bin
PAUL McSHANE has warned Castleford to beware of a man who helped inspire his career.
The Tigers today take on a Leeds side that will be bouncing after the shock appointment of Kevin Sinfield (below).
The legendary star takes over from sacked head coach Brian McDermott to become director of rugby and will flex his muscles for the first time this afternoon.
It is an intriguing prospect for a Leeds side that is facing a relegation battle for the second time in three years.
But Tigers hooker McShane knows first hand how dynamic Sinfield can be after starting his career with him as his captain.
McShane, who came through Leeds’ academy and played for them for four years until 2013, said: “It was a great place to learn my trade. It was probably the best place to develop as a young player. I worked for some world-class professionals and you take those traits with you throughout your career.” Leeds have lost seven Super League games on the bounce and are in the bottom four, whereas Cas are currently flying high.
But McShane said the Tigers need to control the “new boss” effect created by Sinfield and Jimmy Lowes, who has been appointed as first-team coach. He added: “The players will be disappointed with what’s happened recently and will be keen to put things right. “They will also be keen to impress the new blokes in charge and put their best foot forward so they are in their plans. “When I was at Wakefield there was a change of coach two or three times and it definitely has an effect on how the players perform.”
Castleford have already beaten Leeds twice this year, 25-24 after being 24-0 ahead in March and 38-10 at Magic Weekend.
But McShane admits it is memory of last year’s Grand Final defeat to the Rhinos that is driving them on.
He said: “It was absolutely devastating. The whole experience is something that will live with me for ever.
“But we’ll learn from the mistakes we made in that game.”
Sinfield, who will also take over some of chief executive Gary Hetherington’s roles, will continue a link with the RFL.
He has handed over his rugby director role but will assist the RFL’s England Performance Unit one day a week for the rest of this year.
Castleford v Leeds
Today, 3.30pm