Lee Radford speaks out on facing old side Hull FC in Castleford Tigers’ next Super League fixture

Castleford Tigers took on Warrington Wolves on Saturday afternoon at the Jungle with Daryl Powell returning to his former club for the first time since departing at the end of 2021.

Tigers star Niall Evalds may have scored in the West Yorkshire club’s 23-0 half-time lead against Warrington Wolves.

But, the fullback was taken straight off down the tunnel after scoring as he looked in great pain.

The Tigers raced into an 18-0 lead after two tries from Derrell Olpherts and one from Danny Richardson, with Evalds dotting down just before half-time.

Richardson also slotted over a drop-goal to make it 23-0 as Warrington had no reply whatsoever.

Jason Qareqare – Evalds’ replacement – managed to dot down early in the second-half with Ben Currie finally getting the Wolves’ first points of the afternoon from a George Williams kick.

Matty Ashton and Daryl Clark dotted down to make it 27-16, but Alex Sutcliffe managed to restore the Tigers’ momentum.

Oliver Holmes did manage to crash over, but Richardson slotted over a penalty to end the game at 35-22 and make it a three-try score.

“I was really pleased particularly in the conditions, it’s scorching down here,” Radford said on Sky Sports after the game.

“It was important we had field position and territory. I thought the scoreline was a reward of that.”

The Castleford boss also had great praise for makeshift halfback Greg Eden.

“I thought he was good last week, the loss wasn’t down to our lack of creativity it was down to defence.

“He had one training session and we’ve got a week into him this week and he’s looking good.”

Radford also had mixed news on Niall Evalds and Cheyse Blair following the former’s injury and the latter’s red card.

“It’s gone out and popped back in, but it looked bad and we can’t buy a trick at the moment, we had 14 missing.

“I’ve never met a bunch of blokes who have swum against the tide like these.

“It (Blair’s red card) was a snap, we like to make things a little bit more difficult. I’m sure he will be punished sufficiently!”

Radford will go up against his former side Hull FC next weekend and is unsure of what reception he will get.

“That will be interesting, I’ve heard some oft he stick Daryl has received (at the Jungle on Saturday) so I’m sure I will receive that next week.

“I’m looking forward to it, I’ve got fond memories there.”