TIGERS ROAR FLYING SOLO ON THE WING
TERRACE favourite Denny Solomona is on the move but his Castleford fan club needn’t worry.
Solomona’s breathtaking scoring exploits this season have elevated the former Melbourne Storm cast-off into one of Super League’s hottest properties.
Ahead of today’s home clash with Hull FC, he has plundered 24 league and cup tries. But deputising at full-back for injured Luke Dorn against Widnes last time out, he couldn’t add to his tally on a rare off-day.
Aussie Dorn, in his farewell season, returns against the Black and Whites, allowing Solomona to revert to the wing.
And the 22-year-old believes it’s win-winwin all round. “To have e ‘Dorny’ back is a big factor for us because no one can do what he does,” he said.
“He is not the strongest full-back k but he is the smartest. It’s tough to name another person who does what ‘Dorny’ does.
“As an individual I wasn’t up to standard (against Widnes) and I let the team down. If I get put back there I have got a lot to work on.
“But I am having a good season on the wing and I am happy on the wing.”
Solomona’s scoring feats, including many trademark one-handed finishes, have seen him linked with clubs on both sides of the world. But this time he’s definitely not moving.
“There has been a lot of talk but it is all rumours,” insists the ex-London Bronco, contracted to the end of 2018.
“Nothing has been said and I’m not concentrating on the future.
“I am happy here so why would I want to change that? Michael Shenton is on a long deal, Luke Gale too. I don’t se see a reason to c change anything.”
Solomona a agrees Hull’s visit is a vital test of Tig Tigers’ resolve as they bid to secure a top eight finish and a confidence lifter before Saturday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarterfinal at Wigan.
“It’s crucial for the table and us as a team. If we can get up this week then the morale will be boosted and we can get some momentum rolling.”
Hull, beaten 31-24 when the sides met at the KC Stadium in March, will be without skipper Gareth Ellis (above), Sika Manu and Fetuli Talanoa.
Tigers leave out Mike McMeeken from the side beaten 38-28 by Widnes.