Hull FC’s Luke Gale on his time at Castleford Tigers and their Grand Final loss to Leeds Rhinos in 2017

Back in 2017, Castleford Tigers were in rampant form.

They lost just six games all season before they got to the Super League Grand Final, thrashing a number of sides on their way to Old Trafford – including a 66-10 against their final opponents in Leeds Rhinos.

But, current Hull FC halfback has reflected on his time at Castleford and that Grand Final loss in 2017.

“After the Castleford deal, my career took off and I got into the England squad in 2016 and I won the Man of Steel in 2017 and I played my best footy over those years,” Gale told the Jacuzzi Performance podcast.

“We were heavy favourites when we got beat by Leeds Rhinos in 2017 and that still hurts.

“It still gets me to that day. We didn’t turn up on the night and we got beat by the better team.”

Gale also revealed that, as an athlete, he will always have that mentality to train.

“I definitely will train, I love all sports whether it’s golf or even five a side – there will definitely be training once I retire.

“I’m never satisfied and don’t think I ever will be and that’s the athlete mentality.

“I’ve won a Challenge Cup and I’ve been beat in the World Cup and in the Grand Final so I want the Grand Final.”