Powell explains the absence of key trio as Paul McShane leaves the field with injury

Castleford are doing it tough in 2021, but the past few days have taken their toll on his side, according to Daryl Powell.

“It was always going to be tough for us – anyone can see our teamsheet today,” Powell said.

“I thought the boys battled really hard, but we had people out of position and all over the place.

“We lost two players today and one yesterday, but I thought at half-time we had done some really good things.

“Warrington had too much for us and us as a team looked a bit clunky which you would expect with so many positional changes.

“We’ve got Leeds next week then Warrington again, so it’s a couple of big weeks; it was disappointing.”

Powell explained the absence of Peter Mata’utia, Niall Evalds and Oliver Holmes.

“Pete came to the game, and I only found about him when we got to the ground – he’s got a back issue, but I don’t think it will keep him out for any longer than this week.

“We lost Niall Evalds in the team run yesterday and that causes you more trouble than anything losing your fullback.

“Niall’s calf tightened up yesterday which is a big issue with five day turnarounds; you just have little time to recover and that’s what affected Niall yesterday.

“We’re hopeful he won’t be too bad.

“Oliver Holmes had a trapped nerve in his neck; he woke up this morning and couldn’t move so we lost a fair bit of strike with what’s happened over the past two days.

“We had 11, 12 players injured today and they would all get in the 17! It’s a tough one and sometimes you’ve jut to cop it and move on.”

The Castleford boss did have some positive words to say about some of his players, though.

“I thought Sui Matagi was great, and Jake Trueman was a doubt just before kick-off, so I thought he was tough and courageous today.

“There were some really good things from our boys, but we hate losing so it’s not ideal.”

Powell also gave an update on Paul McShane, who left the field early.

“He’s got a knock on his tricep and shoulder area; he will be ok, he’s pretty sore but he will be fine next week.”