Thursday 11 February 2016 15:31, UK
Luke Gale will replace the luckless Michael Shenton as Castleford's captain for the rest of the Super League season.
Shenton is unlikely to play again this season after damaging knee ligaments in the first half of their opening game of 2016, when he was the victim of a tackle in a 16-16 draw with Hull KR that saw John Boudebza banned for four games.
Gale was already acting as Shenton's vice-captain and Tigers coach Daryl Powell hopes the added responsibility will help the scrum-half clinch a place in the England squad.
The 27-year-old was in Steve McNamara's squad for the Test series against New Zealand late last year but was never selected.
"I think it's a good opportunity for him to show that he can lead this side with Michael not being there and prove that he's the right person at the end of the season for England," Powell said.
"I think it will give him another string to his bow. If you can captain a side, it's pretty helpful as a half-back hoping to play international football."
Shenton's injury also opens up the chance for Jake Webster to claim a regular role in the Tigers team after impressing off the bench on Sunday, when he scored two of their tries.
And it could also have cost Championship One side York the chance to re-sign Greg Minnikin on loan, with Powell saying he has a good chance to secure a place in his 17-man matchday squad after an impressive run of pre-season performances.
"I certainly wouldn't be tying him up for a month," Powell said. "He'd be the next cab off the rank.
"He's looked pretty good in pre-season training and in the games that he's played. I thought he was really good against Bradford."
