By BILLY GRIMSHAW
CASTLEFORD Tigers coach Daryl Powell praised his side as a collective and as individuals after demolishing Leeds Rhinos 66-10 at the Jungle on Thursday night. Powell, who coached the Rhinos from 2001-2003, had sympathy for Leeds during their current spell of injuries, but was obviously delighted with the attacking dynamism shown by his troops.
“For us there’s so much good going on in the team at the moment,” Powell said when asked about the game. “Individuals players are playing right on the top of their game, the understanding and the maturity of the team I think has really come through over the last few years and it’s showing at the moment.”
The Tigers’ players could be forgiven for dreaming of silverware this season after their impressive start but Powell insisted his main objective is to keep their feet on the ground. “We’ve got some good players who are playing some smart stuff at the moment, we look quick and athletic and I was really pleased with tonight,” said the Castleford boss.
Asked particularly about the Tigers back three of Greg Minikin, Zak Hardaker and Greg Eden, Powell shook his head and said “Minikin looks lightning, Hardaker speaks for himself and Eden has been a great acquisition. They are so quick and they back themselves, I really like watching them play.” Powell was particularly effusive in his praise of Minikin, describing how Hardaker and Eden had been “around for a while” but Minikin made him say “Wow. It looks like there’s nothing on him but he’s strong, athletic, quick. I really like what I’m seeing at the moment.”
Finally Powell singled out Paul McShane, who filled the suspended Rangi Chase’s boots at stand-off with a fine display, and said ‘It’s tough for him to switch from nine to half but a pat on the back for him. He does it so easily and he’s a really clever player.”
