WATCH - Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers: Tigers in best-ever shape for tilt at Super League play-offs insists coach Daryl Powell

By Dave Craven
Published 11th Sep 2019, 18:00 BST
THERE is utter conviction from Castleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell his side has never been better prepared for the play-offs: now they just need to qualify.

The maths is simple: if the West Yorkshire club wins at reigning champions Wigan Warriors in their last regular-round fixture on Thursday evening they will secure fifth place and the final play-offs spot. Even if they do not prosper, should badly-faltering Hull FC fail to beat leaders St Helens on Friday, Castleford will be safe on the right side of the cut.

With that in mind, they are certainly well-placed for the end-of-season battles, but it is Powell’s belief that is most intriguing.

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Two years ago, his Castleford side finished 10 points clear in Super League, claiming first place for the only time in their 93 year history, only to stumble badly in the Grand Final following the infamous Zak Hardaker revelations

Confident Castleford Tigers coach, Daryl Powell. PIC: Bruce Rollinson/JPIMediaConfident Castleford Tigers coach, Daryl Powell. PIC: Bruce Rollinson/JPIMedia
Confident Castleford Tigers coach, Daryl Powell. PIC: Bruce Rollinson/JPIMedia

They had been close to finishing in pole position in 2014 too – Powell’s first full season in charge – while 12 months ago they came third only to lose out at the semi-final stages with a bitterly disappointing 14-0 loss at, ironically, eventual champions Wigan.