Tigers set to roar in pre-season opener

CASTLEFORD Tigers will field their strongest possible team when they get back into action in the Boxing Day game against Hull FC at Wheldon Road (1.30).

A number of players will miss the game through injuries carried over from last season, but all the new signings will play some part in a match in which the new Harrison-Bryan Memorial Trophy is up for grabs.

Head coach Daryl Powell is excited by the prospect of seeing some of his top players in action alongside some youngsters who have been impressing in pre-season training.

He said: “I have named a 27-man squad and it’s pretty strong, particularly the starting team.

“The new boys are in there. Zak Hardaker will play as will Jesse Sene-Lefao, Greg Eden, Tuoyo Egodo and Daniel Igbinedion.

“Michael Shenton will also play and it will be good to have the captain back.

“The starting 13 will be really strong and then we will see where that takes us in terms of rotation.” ■■Australia scrum-half Cooper Cronk has won the 2016 Golden Boot award.

The 33-year-old Melbourne and Queensland half-back, saw off the challenge from Cameron Smith, Darius Boyd and Jason Taumalolo to earn the accolade presented annually by Rugby League World magazine to the world’s best player.

The award, decided by a panel of experts, recognises performances throughout the year at club and representative level, with particular emphasis being placed on internationals, where Cronk was one of Australia’s stand-out stars in their Four Nations triumph in England in November.