‘Soft’ Castleford Tigers have desire questioned by coach

Castleford Tigers head coach Craig Lingard has questioned his side’s “lack of intent” in defeat to Huddersfield Giants.

A 34-10 defeat, after conceding four tries to none in the first half, was no doubt a source of true disappointment for Tigers fans.

Lingard has mentioned that there will hopefully be new signings for the side, and the performance this week certainly cemented the idea in the minds of many that this is something that is much-needed.

‘Soft’ Castleford Tigers have desire questioned by coach

Speaking to Sky Sports following the game, Lingard said: “I thought we were soft in that first 40 minutes, I thought we played like it were the last game of the season and it didn’t mean anything.

“I think there was a team out there in that first half that played like there was something on the line and there was a team that played like they didn’t and we were that team.

“It was really disappointing with the lack of intent. I think we lost every physical battle in that first half, whether it was us carrying the ball or them carrying the ball so I’m really disappointed.”

He did, however, mention one key positive – the young players, after Akim Matvejev’s first start in first-team rugby league.

Also impressing this year have been players such as Jenson Windley, Fletcher Rooney and Cain Robb.

Lingard said: “That’s a positive for us. We’ve struggled all season getting people on the park at times, and we’ve got to look at the positives, we’ve got to look at the future and the development of these players, and that’s certainly a massive positive.

“We’ve got three of these academy guys that are coming through and they’re holding their own in Super League and don’t necessarily look out of place, but we need to make sure we look at their development and we don’t need to chuck him in for too many games too soon.”