Tigers v Dragons: Teams
Table-topping Castleford look to maintain their best-ever start to a season when they play host to Catalan Dragons.
Last Updated: 11/03/11 2:26pm
Terry Matterson's table-topping Castleford side are looking to maintain their best-ever start to a Super League season when they host Catalan Dragons on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
The Tigers lead the way with the only 100 percent record in Super League after three wins from their opening three games.
The Dragons, who finished bottom last year, won at Hull KR two weeks ago and also ran St Helens close in Perpignan last week, so while Matterson wants them to make the most of their form, he is warning his players against any complacency.
"I don't think anyone would have thought we'd have won our first three games and they've been three really good wins," said Matterson. "It probably has taken everyone by surprise.
"I'm really pleased. We couldn't be doing too much better at this stage. The people we brought in have done a wonderful job and the young kids are going along with them. They're pushing the senior players for places in the team.
Confident
"We're confident but I think this will be our toughest test. Catalan were pretty impressive against St Helens last week. I'm very wary of them. After a slow start they looked pretty good against St Helens. It's going to be another challenge and we're going to have to play well.
"It's the start of a long hard season and it's important to get as many wins as we can while we're healthy and confident. You've got to make hay while the sun shines."
Young hookers Adam Milner and Daryl Clark are still keeping former captain Ryan Hudson out of the side, but Matterson will make changes with centre Willie Isa and veteran prop Nick Fozzard set for debuts.
Isa, signed from Melbourne Storm, arrived late in pre-season while Fozzard picked up a groin injury in training.
The Dragons, meanwhile, are boosted by the return of full-back Clint Greenshields, which enables Ben Farrar to revert to his usual position in the centres, and utility player Jean Philippe Baile.
Castleford squad: Mathers, Dixon, Youngquest, Arundel, Chase, Orr, Jackson, Huby, Emmitt, Snitch, Ferres, Jones, Milner, Isa, Fozzard, Aspinwall, Holmes, Widders, Clark.
Catalan squad: Greenshields, Blanch, Farrar, Sa, Stacul, Dureau, Ferriol, Henderson, Casty, Menzies, Raguin, Mounis, Gigot, Baile, Millard, Fakir, Paea, Baitieri, Pelissier.