Daryl Powell has hit out at match referees and the disciplinary panel claiming there is a lack of player protection in the game.
Danny Richardson became the latest player to join Castleford’s growing injury list after being hit by a shoulder charge in their last game against Hull FC.
Powell says the injury was “waiting to happen” for weeks, with the Tigers playmaker often coming under pressure when releasing kicks or passes.
“I was pretty disappointed about Danny Richardson’s latest injury,” said Powell. “He has absolutely no protection from the referees initially and then the disciplinary after that.
“I have been talking about this since we played St Helens straight after lockdown when he got put to the ground ten times and nothing got done.
“I think this was something waiting to happen. He received another shoulder charge and nothing was done about it on the field or after and now, he has an injury that will keep him out.
“He has had a scan and an x-ray but I am still disappointed with that. I am still waiting on his results to see what the damage is.”
Castleford now return to Super League action on Thursday night against Huddersfield with limited half-back options, after Richardson joined a whole host of players on the sidelines.
“Half-backs are really key to the game,” said Powell. “Peter Mata’utia is out for six weeks, Jacob Trueman is still not match fit and Danny Richardson will not play.
“It is really difficult for us. We are battling through and one thing we will do is give some young players an opportunity and set them up for the future.
“Callum Turner and Gareth O’Brien have both played at half-back. We will see how we will roll through tomorrow and make sure everybody is okay.
“We will have a strong team out there and I expect us to play well.”