BIG MAC & TRIES
Tigers are ready to sink teeth into world champs
CASTLEFORD cheered rivals St Helens on to World Club Challenge glory – but don’t intend any such pleasantries today.
Tigers captain Paul McShane explained how the squad came together to watch the Super League champions down NRL premiers Penrith Panthers last Saturday.
Saints’ epic 13-12 golden-point win in Sydney has given the domestic competition a real shot in the arm.
Paul Wellens’ side now head to Wheldon Road to make their delayed start to Super League with England hooker McShane, like many, wowed by their historic triumph.
He said: “It was our team-run day but we ended up watching the World Club Challenge before we did our video leading into the Hull game.
“I just thought it was awesome. Both games they played out there – beating St George Illawarra (in a friendly) as well – were a massive effort.
“But it probably wasn’t a surprise either. Saints, for the past four years, have been so consistent. Towards the end, it was exciting and all the lads were fully bouncing that they got the win. It was a great result for Saints and for Super League.”
Castleford could be forgiven for thinking now would be a good time to take on the four-peat champions who faced a 53-hour trip back from Australia.
But Wellens could still name as many as 13 of his Sydney heroes with player-of-the-match Jack Welsby, drop-goal king Lewis Dodd and England star Jonny Lomax all included in their 21-man squad.
“We’ve not really looked too much into it – and we’ve got our own problems to fix up,” added McShane, after the Tigers lost 32-30 at Hull FC last week.
“We’ve put a big focus on getting our jobs right. Last year Saints had a lot of players missing when they came to our place but they pushed us close so no matter what side Saints have they put in a performance. We know that.” The former Man of Steel won’t be in direct opposition against iconic James Roby, though, the veteran hooker who – at the age of 37 – produced another brilliant display against Penrith but has been given the afternoon off today. McShane said: “He’s not slowing down is he?
“For me, for what he’s done and for how long he’s done it, he’s the greatest Super League player there’s been.
“But we just need to start better. Hull went 100m on us in our first set last week and we didn’t quite wake up until the last 25 minutes.”