Milestone: Nathan Massey (center), who played against Salford last season, will make his 250th Tigers appearance against the same opponent tonight. (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
The West Yorkshire club will face Richard Marshall’s side in the Betfred Super League at the AJ Bell Stadium tonight before meeting again tomorrow in a Challenge Cup quarter-finals at Emerald Headingley.
In one of those weird quirks that sometimes come up, Hull FC and Wigan Warriors, who played last night, are also in the same position.
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A league game win would likely leave the winner – at least psychologically – in a stronger position for the upcoming Cup affair, which is vital for Castleford’s manager, who hopes to get out with a Wembley win before joining Warrington Wolves in 2022 .
Powell claimed, however, “I think you have to separate them and take each one for yourself.
“We want to make sure we get it right in the two weeks.
“I’ve been in these situations a few times.
“I remember when I was in Leeds (Rhinos) we played St. Helens twice when there was that legendary game where Danny McGuire scored in the corner in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Castleford’s Gareth O’Brien scores a goal against Leigh (Image: SWPix.com)
Castleford’s Gareth O’Brien scores a goal against Leigh (Image: SWPix.com)“Everyone has their own philosophy, but we both have to win – I think that’s the most important thing.
“It’s about getting the strategy right for both games.
“We worked hard on that. And I have a lot of experience in such situations. “
Castleford’s main goal is to claim a win tonight after suffering their first loss of the season at the undefeated Wigan Warriors last week.
Niall Evalds takes on Salford for Cas for the first time (Image: SWPix.com)
Niall Evalds takes on Salford for Cas for the first time (Image: SWPix.com)
In contrast, Salford secured their first Super League win of the season last Friday, beating Leigh Centurions 34-8 after extensive losses to Saints, Hull FC and Catalans Dragons.
In their first three league games under ex-Halifax coach Marshall, they averaged just under six points per game, so they gained the much-needed conviction that they had pushed Leigh aside in this style.
“Salford’s form has improved a bit,” said Powell.
“They had a good win last week so they will be confident but for us it’s all about playing well.
“We weren’t that good last week; We have to improve a lot, especially on the defensive, so there are some challenges for us.
“We know where Salford will come to us – I know where I would go – and our boys are ready for that.”
That said, Castleford has selection problems again.
From the side who lost in Wigan between 22 and 12, they lose utility Jordan Turner (groin) and Tyla Hepi (two-game ban).
Forwards Jacques O’Neill, Alex Foster and Suaia Matagi are on sideline for a few more weeks and Dan Smith is out but Powell is hoping he will be available for the Cup game along with former Salford propeller George Griffin.
To support their cause, Danny Richardson (England Knights Scrum-Half) and Gareth O’Brien (ex-Salford full-back) are both on the 21-man squad tonight after injury, while Jesse Sene-Lefao is returning from a ban .
There are other milestones for Wheldon Road Club: Nathan Massey, in shape, is set to make his 250th appearance at Castleford, and second-row Oli Holmes is up for his 200th Super League game.
“Mas’ has been phenomenal this year,” said Powell.
“He’s been fantastic for Castleford during his career.
“He’s a good guy and he’s been tough as a player. “He was one of our best front rowers so far – if not our best – this season.
“Oli is our three or four best players this season.
“He was excellent and I’m happy for both players. We want to make it a good day for them.
“These milestones are important to us and we want to make sure that the players enjoy them when they come over.”
Anyone else looking forward to tonight is Niall Evalds, the full-back, who is returning to Salford for the first time since leaving late last season.
He played with the Red Devils in the 2019 Grand Final and represented them last season at Wembley. During his career at Salford, he scored 101 attempts in 146 games.
Evalds, who started in good shape for Castleford trying to secure a place in the English World Cup squad, admitted: “I signed for Salford when I was 15.
“I pretty much grew up there. I loved my time there and have lots of good memories and lots of fun times.
“I have a couple of good friends on this team. It will be strange to go back there.
“I’m looking forward to it, but I just focus on the game.
“We’re just after two more points and a good performance.”
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