'It's in the notes': here's how Castleford Tigers can end long drought in home clash v Hull FC
Castleford Tigers will get an opportunity to scratch a two-year itch when they take on visitors Hull FC tonight (Friday).
Tigers haven’t won successive Betfred Super League games since back-to-back victories against London Broncos and Catalans Dragons in July, 2024. Last week’s stunning 24-14 success at Wigan Warriors left them half way there and coach Ryan Carr admitted ending that long drought will be part of their motivation in this evening’s Sky Sports and SuperLeague+-televised game.
“I’m well aware of that,” Carr confirmed. “Don’t worry, it’s in the notes. We’ve just got to make sure the commitment to our performance, attitude and effort levels is the same as it was last week.
“We've worked hard all week again and prepared exactly the same as every other game we’ve played. It’s just about being consistent now on the day itself.”
Last Sunday’s result also lifted Tigers from 14th to 11th in the table and will send them into today’s clash in high spirits. In contrast, Hull have endured a turbulent time since losing at home to St Helens eight days ago.
That was John Cartwright’s last game as coach and one of his assistant’s Andy Last, who had a spell in charge of Tigers in 2023, has taken over as interim-boss until Steve McNamara joins the club ahead of next season.
Asked if that could make it a good time to face Hull, Carr stated: “I understand the situation because I've been in those situations myself. There will be a lot going on, but I am primarily focused on making sure our playing group plays well.
"I can’t control what's going on over there. We have prepared for a really good team to come to our home. We’ve just got to make sure we back up a good performance with another one.”
Castleford Tigers: from Valemeiu, Cini, McIntosh, Ravalawa, Asi, Weaver, Atoni, Hood, Lawler, Lane, Mellor, Stimson, Greacen, Ashworth, Doolan, Qareqare, Mapapalangi, Windley, Hall, Hirst.
Hull FC: from Litten, Hardaker, Martin, Arthur, Sezer, Bourouh, Hill, Cust, Bell, Sao, Briscoe, Aydin, Bailey, Fash, Moy, Laidlaw, C Kemp, Hutchinson, L Kemp, Newman, Mata’utia.
Referee: Tara Jones (St Helens). Kick-off: Friday, 8pm.