Danny Richardson hailed by Michael Shenton following Castleford’s win against Wigan

Castleford captain Michael Shenton was full of praise for Danny Richardson after he guided the youthful Tigers to an impressive 16-12 win against Wigan.

The 23-year-old was making his first competitive appearance at the Jungle since signing from St Helens and he didn’t disappoint his new supporters.

Richardson’s kicking game was instrumental in helping Daryl Powell’s side control the match for large periods and his display was applauded by the Castleford skipper.

“We have given him a lot of responsibility and he loves it,” said Shenton. “He has obviously come from a great place and he is a really motivated player, he is a smart footballer and he wants to improve.

“He listens to everybody and he is very coachable. He has that nous and natural understanding of the game and he was really disciplined tonight.

“I thought he and Paul McShane’s kicking game really helped us take control, everyone out there tonight chipped in and I thought we had some senior forwards really put in big shifts.

“Danny was the one that pulled it all together I thought, with Paul (McShane) and obviously Jake (Trueman) is outstanding too.”

Given their lengthy injury list, it was predicted to be a difficult night for Castleford against a strong Warriors side.

However, the young Tigers had other ideas on what was a milestone night for proud local lad Shenton.

“It was a special one, not for my 300^th (Super League appearance), but to get that win with our backs against the walls,” he explained.

“The first couple of weeks of Super League have been challenging for us with so many players pulling out and with all the concussions, it can throw you off a bit.

“Then add to that the Peter (Mata’utia) suspension which was a bit of a kick in the teeth, but I think what we have now is some really talented young guys in our system.”

Of the many young players that featured for Castleford, it was especially a memorable night for 17-year-old Sam Hall who debuted from the bench.

“Him and Lewis Peachy have really stood out in training,” Shenton explained. “Obviously Lewis is full-time whereas Sam has had only bits a bobs with us but has really stepped up.

“Obviously Daryl (Powell) rates him and we decided as a leadership group to put him in because he has really stood out in training.

“We want to start promoting some of our young guys and I really think they have all taken the chance.”