Powell blasts RFL “a sham” in wake of Castleford defeat

It’s safe to say that Castleford boss Daryl Powell was far from happy with a rule that meant the Tigers had one substitute less, despite a five-day turnaround.

With Powell deciding to start youngster Jason Qareqare – who wasn’t in the Tigers’ 21-man squad – it meant that Castleford were punished by having a substitute less than the eight a side can normally use in a game. And, after backing up just five days after a Challenge Cup semi-final, it’s something which Powell described as a “sham”.

“Decisions are being made by people that don’t understand the game, there needs to be a greater understanding of what a five day turnaround means,” Powell said.

“They need to be minimised and it’s no good for the game; they bang on about player welfare, but nothing seems to be getting done about it.

“Three players pulled out of our team run yesterday morning, our boys are creaking and Jason has trained with us before.

“He’s still at school and trained with us during the holidays, but he’s always been accomplished in what he does, he’s a mature young fellow.

“He didn’t train with us during the week so the RFL reduced us a substitute because he was outside the 21 man-squad which is an absolute sham.

“To take a sub off us today was ridiculous; you do one session in a team run and we’re pushing players up until the last day to give them a chance but they just couldn’t do it.

“Wait until you get to August, good luck with that! Why would you take us a sub away when it’s a 17-year-old kid?”