Stone: Work is

As poor as we were in execution, we have to give credit to Hull.

“They are a proud team and we’re back at home after a month of playing away from home.

“If we want to beat a team of this quality, we have to execute better.

“Our kicking was poor and they were more selective throughout the whole game.

“We got our fair share in the second half, but it became a real arm wrestle.

“We had a few chances and they had a few chances but defences were on top in the second half with no tries scored.”

Castleford head coach Daryl Powell was delighted with his side’s 32-24 away win against Catalans Dragons which all but confirmed the Super League leaders a semi-final spot in the end-of-season play-offs.

Castleford were reduced to 11 men at one point following the sin-binning of Kevin Larroyer (unsportsmanlike behaviour) and Mike McMeeken (holding down in the tackle) but did enough to cope with that double setback.

There were two tries from Castleford’s Jy Hitchcox, while Hardakder, Greg Minikin and Paul McShane also touched down. Luke Gale kicked five goals and Hardakder added one.

Catalans scored tries through Lucas Albert, Tony Gigot and Fouad Yaha and a penalty try was also awarded when the ball was kicked from Vioncent Duport’s hands as he was in the process of touching down. Gigot added four goals.

Powell said: “I think it is a big win for us obviously. The circumstances of it with us going down to 11 men and still defending like we did. I thought there was some really tough calls.”