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Cruel Intentions

Castleford to bounce back from their beating says Stevo

Stevo Posted 21st August 2009 view comments

There are not that many players who will not respond to having their backsides kicked. And when you lose 76-12 then that is one heck of a sized boot!

Some coaches take the result and throw it away - they say it is in the past so let's focus on the future, but I don't think that is what Castleford need and I reckon Terry Matterson would have forced all his players to watch that drubbing in all its cruel and tormented glory. This will be a real wake up call for Castleford for them.

Rangi Chase: can he lead Castleford out of the doldrums?

Rangi Chase: can he lead Castleford out of the doldrums?

For Castleford well Ryan Hudson and Rangi Chase are the men too lead them out of their despair - if they click well that will boost the confidence no end.

Hudson will have a key battle with Mark Riddell and I expect Chase to play a little bit wider and not taking the ball as much as first receiver. He is a very talented player and can cause all sorts of problems for Wigan.

You have to look at their defence though, which was awful last weekend. It is tough to say that anyone throws the towel in but I think they must have come pretty close last weekend

Stevo
Quotes of the week

LIVE ON SKY
Castleford v Wigan,
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You have to look at their defence though, which was awful last weekend. It is tough to say that anyone throws the towel in but I think they must have come pretty close last weekend. If he could I am sure Matterson would have got close enough to the ring to call it off and say he had had enough punishment and suffering. They really need to bounce back this weekend with a win.

Wigan have to win too - they still have an outside chance of snatching fourth spot. It is and outside chance but a whiff is sometimes all you need and Wigan will want that spot desperately. Brian Noble knows that if they get into the play-offs they are capable of beating anybody.

Sean O'Loughlin is back to his best - it has taken a bit of time after his injury but he is firing on all cylinders. Thomas Leuluai is also playing very well and is getting back into the swing of things after a very disappointing Challenge Cup semi-final. He failed to take on the defence that day but was much better against Warrington and expect to see more of that against Castleford.

I expect Castleford to utilise what is seen as a perceived Wigan weakness in Amos Roberts. As soon as the high ball goes up to Amos everyone gets a bit edgy - he is not the best taker of the high ball and I think he can look forward to getting plenty of practice on Sunday.

Wigan are a good outfit though and Cameron Phelps is a very talented player who is gaining in confidence.

Castleford always play well against Wigan - I don't know what it is but they always raise their game for a chance to upset the warriors. They need to get right into them and upset their rhythm. If they let Wigan control things then the likes of Leuluai will have a field day running from dummy half.

Star Player

Iafeta Paleaaesina (Wigan): The big fellow Paleaaesina is going to have to do some heavy work up in the forwards. he showed his talent and skill last week and we saw a different side to his game. Usually he comes on and is a battering ram. Last week he was not only hitting the line but also spinning and attracting two, three and sometimes four defenders.

Stevo says

Home win: Wigan will be up for this game but I would not be surprised if Castleford pulled off a shock win.

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