Castleford came up with a vital win at the Magic Weekend as they go in search of that all important play-off place.
They downed the Salford Red Devils 29-18 in a brilliant contest in the opening match of the weekend. Making the victory all the more impressive was the fact they came up with the goods without a recognised halfback on the field with both Jordan Turner and Peter Mata’utia impressing as a stand in six and seven.
The latter was particularly impressive and many believed he was the Man of the Match. He did indeed notch the decisive try as well as a late drop goal to rub further salt into Salford’s wounds.
He may have rattled the Red Devils during the game, but after it he came after one of his teammates on social media.
Proud of the performance, which was built on the back of a brilliant performance by the Tigers’ pack, Castleford posted about Suaia Matagi on Facebook.
In the final play of the game, Matagi came up with a brilliant carry. He showed pace and power to run over the top of Salford’s Greg Burke. It was an impressive run from the on-loan Huddersfield prop who’s future is still not decided. Perhaps that’s the reason behind his carry, it’s possible he was trying to impress the higher-ups at the Jungle so that they offer him a permanent move.
Mata’utia certainly thought Matagi was trying to impress someone with the top-notch yet meaningless carry at the end of the game. He commented on the post: “When you don’t do nothing all game and have to impress Powelly [Daryl Powell] for selection next week.”
A comical comment from Mata’utia about a player many want to remain at the Jungle. Perhaps this is an indication of the positive team spirit in the squad despite the uncertain futures surrounding one or two with a new coach coming in for 2022. Mata’utia himself won’t be a Tiger next season as he joins current coach Daryl Powell at Warrington. Yet, he still seems to treat his teammates as mates rather than colleagues which can only bode well.
Perhaps they could yet prove to be a dangerous force as the season draws to a close and they look to secure a play-off place.
