Why Castleford Tigers boss Luke Robinson has 'no hard feelings' ahead of return to former club

Tigers’ traumatic campaign ends with what is also Giants’ last match at Accu Stadium - and in Huddersfield - ahead of their move to Dewsbury next year. Robinson joined Castleford in August as an assistant-coach, five months after being axed from his role in charge at tomorrow’s hosts.

Speaking at today’s (Friday) preview press conference, Robinson - who is in charge of Tigers until a permanent appointment is made - insisted he doesn’t have a point to prove to his old employers. “I want to win the game, as I do every week,” he stated.

“I’ve been around rugby league for a very long time, I understand how it works. There’s no hard feelings. I felt like I got a rough deal, everybody who knows about rugby will probably agree with that, but it’s not personal - it’s about Castleford getting the win. There’s some people at Huddersfield I am still close to and friends with and I want them to do well, but not tomorrow.”

Giants are hoping to give their home of 32 years a rousing send off and Robinson conceded: “It is quite fitting I am going back for their last game there. It is going to be a bit of an emotional time for them, but from our perspective I’d love it if we went and spoiled their party.”

Bradford Bulls’ defeat at York Knights last night means Tigers are safe from finishing bottom of Betfred Super League. Robinson stressed: “Nobody wants the wooden spoon, or even to be in the bottom-third. It’s a nice feeling knowing we are not going to be bottom of the table and hopefully that alleviates a bit more [pressure] and we can put in a performance.”

He added: “I want to see a group of men playing for each other, the shirt, the club, the fans and just going all out. They have looked like a group of players who’ve been under a lot of pressure this year and I want them to go out there with a bit of freedom.”

Cain Robb, Daejarn Asi, Joe Stimson, Sam Hall and Alex Mellor have all been named in Tigers’ initial squad for the final time before departing the club. Mellor’s exit to join another Super League side, believed to be Catalans Dragons, was announced this afternooon. Robinson vowed: “When you have a friend or teammate leaving you have a responsibility to make sure he leaves on a high.”

Robb has been recalled to Tigers’ 21, along with Daniel Sarbah, who is available following suspension. Sam Grice will make his debut if selected. Mikaele Ravalawa, Achilles injury victim Renouf Atoni and Tylor Sharpe make way.

Ravalawa played in last week’s defeat at Bradford and Robinson said: “I thought he needed a rest. That was selection - I just felt like we need a bit of a change in that department.”

Huddersfield Giants: from Evalds, Gagai, Milne, Lolohea, Clune, Powell, Woolford, Hewitt, Rushton, Rogers, King, Greenwood, Rush, Billington, Blacker, Zenon, Wrench, Jagger, Leyland, Hanley, Hobson.

Castleford Tigers: from Asi, Weaver, Hood, Lawler, Lane, Mellor, Stimson, Greacen, Senior, Mapapalangi, Hall, Robb, Lindsay, Hirst, Laulu-Togaga’e, Dupree, Brown, Sarbah, Vaalepu, McNamara, Grice.

Referee: Tara Jones. Kick-off: Saturday, 3pm.