Injuries woes worsen for Castleford Tigers ahead of Wigan Warriors showdown
Boss Daryl Powell admits Castleford Tigers will be “pretty light” on troops for Friday’s visit of Wigan Warriors.
Up to three injuries and a suspension following Tigers’ Betfred Super League round one win over Toronto Wolfpack last Sunday means it will be all hands on deck for their first home league game of the decade.
Debutant prop George Griffin suffered concussion in a clash of heads with teammate Adam Milner in the first half of the victory against Toronto and was unable to return to the action.
“He failed his head test, so he is out,” Powell confirmed.
“Tyla Hepi got a knock and Adam Milner did as well, so those two are unlikely to play.
“Alongside Peter Mata’utia getting suspended, it leaves us pretty light.
“We have got a really strong one-17, but we will have some young boys on the bench.”
The Rugby Football League’s match review panel issued Mata’utia with a two-match penalty notice for a late challenge on Wolfpack’s Jon Wilkin.
Castleford went into their season-opener without star signing Sosaia Feki who picked up an injury in pre-season.
“He won’t be playing on Friday and he will be out for another couple of weeks yet,” Powell revealed of the former Cronulla Sharks winger.
“It will all depend on his rehab.”
Oliver Holmes, Mike McMeeken, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Alex Foster and Matt Cook also missed the game last weekend.
Powell said: “Oli Holmes will potentially be available, but apart from that we have got what we got.”
A five-day turnaround hasn’t helped Tigers’ cause - and they will be against opponents who have had a full week to prepare.
Powell, though, is not looking for excuses.
“The five days are always tough, but every team has to deal with them throughout the year,” he stated.
“We won’t worry about that too much, we just need to play well.
“We are excited by being at home and we know the fans will really get behind us.
“I am looking forward to our first home game.”