Suaia Matagi addresses his Castleford future

Suaia Matagi has been one of the most impressive signings in 2021, with his bulldozing runs and hard-hitting defence making him an extremely popular forward amongst the Castleford faithful.

However, it’s no secret that the prop is only on-loan at the Jungle, having signed from Huddersfield for the season.

And, Matagi is not looking too far ahead at present, with his performances currently taking precedent.

“I’m not too sure at the moment, I’ll probably just do what I’ve always done and take it one week at a time,” Matagi said.

“That’s what’s in my control and that’s what I’ve done in the past and I’ve always believed everything else will take care of itself.”

The 33-year-old does, however, see his future at the Jungle.

“I’d love to stay, I know in the past how I’ve dealt with things coming to the end of contract wise, you’ve just got to take care week by week and that is what I’m doing.

“I know if I can put my best foot forward everything else will take care of itself.”

Matagi came to the UK ahead of the 2019 season, but everything was tipped on its side in his second and third season when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, but he has no regrets.

“I’ve got no regrets about moving at that time; coming over I’m really grateful for the opportunity to see the other side of the world.

“I know a lot of people back in Australia and New Zealand never get to experience that in a lifetime.

“I’m seeing the beautiful history over here and I just appreciate my time here in the UK – there’s lovely people and I love the history and architecture.”

The Tigers haven’t won away at St Helens in the Super League, but Matagi has – on his Huddersfield debut – and he is keen to bring that experience to the table tomorrow night.

“St Helens were top of the table at the time and I came fresh from the NRL.

“We got the two points and I still remember that and when I look back i didn’t realise we had beaten the top of the table.

“I think I can take a bit of that from the past and bring it into the present to see we get the job done.”

The barnstorming prop also emphasised the belief within the Castleford squad that they can finish inside the play-offs.

“I think that’s being one of the key takeaways this year, that belief it’s one of the reasons why we got to the Challenge Cup final.

“To know we got so close but fell short we know we can take a lot from that and get to play St Helens again and hopefully learn from what happened that game.”