Smith sets shining example that Castleford need to follow
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Michael Smith, who has unquestionably been Castleford's outstanding player of the season so far, believes that they cannot afford to drop any more games to sides below them if they are to have a chance of making the Super League play-offs.
Castleford appeared to have turned the corner after a poor start to the campaign when they came back from 18 points down to beat St Helens 12 days ago, but in their very next outing they lost – albeit only by a single point – at lowly-placed Halifax.
"That was very, very disappointing," says Smith, who, despite being on the losing side, emerged as statistically the best player in Super League last weekend. "It's no good putting in a big effort one match if you let yourselves down in the next. If we are going to make the top six, we need to beat teams that are below us in the table."
The Tigers face another struggling side today with the visit of Warrington, and need to start putting a run of results together if they are to put pressure on the teams above them.
Smith's attacking second-row play, with his ability to off-load the ball and his enormous strength near the try-line, has been one of the highlights for Castleford this season, but their coach, Graham Steadman, admits that they lack a cutting edge.
Taking their chances has been a weakness all season and Steadman's small squad gives him few options out wide. Which is why he has been pursuing new outside- backs this week, with Bradford's Paul Sykes and Halifax's Daryl Cardiss his preferred targets.
It is Warrington, however, who have succeeded in bringing in new players during the week. The revolving door at Wilderspool has been whirring again with the arrival of Graham Appo, from Australia via Huddersfield and France, and Michael Watts, from Australia via Leigh and Chorley. They go straight into today's team and a repeat of the sort of effort the Wolves produced in their victory at Hull and their brave if ultimately futile fightback against St Helens could make it difficult for Castleford to get back to winning ways.
In today's other games, bottom-of-the-table Salford are at home to London, while the other team – apart from Warrington – stuck on four points, Wakefield, take on Saints.
It is difficult to see either of them getting anything out of the weekend. London's away form has not been impressive, but they have the hugely influential Jason Hetherington back at The Willows. Saints have been blowing hot and cold since Murrayfield, but they should have a strong enough side in action at Belle Vue to see off Trinity.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments