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Castleford Tigers: Early start just what we need - Matterson
Castleford Tigers' players are back in training – and coach Terry Matterson today insisted that there's not a moment to lose.
Tigers' full squad will get together for the first time on Monday, but players have been in for tests this week and a group of around 10 – singled out as needing extra work – are already into their pre-season regime.
Tigers' begin their engage Super League XV campaign in the first week of February, but Matterson said they will have less than two months to do the bulk of their preparation before trial games begin.
"We've got six weeks before Christmas to get some good work into them," he said.
"Once Christmas comes, we are playing on Boxing Day, there's a bit of a break after that and then we go to Perpignan for five days for our pre-season camp, with a trial game against Catalans at the end of that.
"Then we are back into it. With the season starting so early, I don't think anybody can afford to start pre-season training too much later."
Several players are still recovering from off-season surgery, but Matterson is hopeful none of them will miss the start of the new campaign.
"Brent Sherwin has had an ankle operation," he said. "There's also Joe Westerman (shoulder), Richie Owen (ankle), Brett Ferres (knee) and Stuart Jones (groin).
"Shifty's (Sherwin) was major, the others not quite as. They are all coming on and I'd like to think that they are all going to be available for the start of the season."
Meanwhile, Matterson declared himself proud of Tigers centre Michael Shenton's efforts for England in the Gillette Four Nations.
Shenton, the only Cas representative in the 24-man squad, has played in all three games so far and is expected to retain his place for Saturday's final against Australia at Elland Road.
"What I like is that he has done a lot of the little things really well," Matterson said.
"I am really pleased for him. He is looking really confident at that level.
"Shenny is not getting any quality ball, but that's because of the way they are playing – they have got a big pack and they're playing to their strengths.
"But he has got better week in and week out at everything he has done. He has been really solid defensively and it's going to be interesting to see what Australia do this week.
"Last time, they went pretty hard at England's right side. They are just as strong on their other side and I wouldn't be surprised if they attack down there (England's left) this week.
"Playing in a game like that will be a good experience for Shenny. It is exciting and I'm sure he is really looking forward to it."
Aussie Matterson is backing his countrymen to win this weekend, though he feels England have a chance of creating an upset.
"I will be barracking for Australia, I have coached a lot of their players," he said.
"But I am looking forward to a good contest. I think an England-Australia final is a shot in the arm for the game internationally.
"We need a good contest. England will want more than that, they'll want to win and they have got a chance with their big forward pack."
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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