“It’s a difficult job at the minute” – Daryl Powell discusses ‘uncomfortable’ period at Castleford

Most of Super League has been plagued by injuries, but Castleford seem to have been doing it tougher than others and for a longer period of time too.

And, head coach Daryl Powell has spoke of how tough it’s been to manage his beleaguered side.

“After Leeds got over the top of us, the boys have been great, but we’ve picked up three injuries and then we get three players pulled for an international game,” Powell said.

“It’s a difficult job at the minute, but I’m hanging in there and keeping smiling.

“It’s been hard work and uncomfortable, the best team we’ve put out there was at the semi-final (of the Challenge Cup) and against Wakefield last week.

“We want to win every game, you don’t go into any game wanting to lose, but we are battling so hard to keep our form in both competitions, and that’s pretty tough with so many injuries.”

Next up for Powell’s men will be the visit of Catalans Dragons on Thursday night and the Castleford boss is wary of the threats the French side possess.

“The couple of weeks off means they are either going to be unbelievably fresh or they are going to be a little bit rusty.

“We’ve got try and impact the game when we can – you’ve got to defend immaculately against this skilful side, they’ve got their halfbacks in place and their fullback Arthur Mourgue is like lightning.

“We just need to play well against top four teams like this.”