Castleford Tigers: Getting Dorn back is key to our hopes says Solomona

If the creative Australian full-back does pass fit in time for the visit of the in-form Super League leaders it means Solomona will able to switch back to his more familiar role, thus making Castleford a more potent outfit.

It is not that he does not like playing in the position – the 22-year-old actually arrived in the UK from the NRL as a full-back – but concedes his colleague is a true master at it.

“Getting him back is a big boost for us as no-one can do what Dorny does!” admitted Solomona, about the gifted 34-year-old who will, unfortunately for all lovers of instinctive football, retire at the end of this season.

“He’s just smart. He’s not the biggest or strongest full-back, but he’s the smartest in my eyes.

“To get in the positions he gets in, it’s tough to name another person that can do what Dorney does.”

Castleford did miss his influence when losing 38-28 against Widnes Vikings nine days ago, a fourth successive home defeat which has jeopardised their hopes of a top-four finish.

Daryl Powell’s side were beset by handling errors and lacked the polish Dorn brings.

Solomona operated at the back and said: “Obviously everyone gets put in a position at some point where they don’t usually play. But I came from Melbourne Storm as a full-back and obviously individually I wasn’t up to standard. I let the team down against Widnes and hopefully can start putting things right now against Hull.”

The Aucklander is perhaps being harsh on himself there but, nevertheless, by returning to his wide role, Castleford should give themselves their best chance of ending Hull’s eight-match winning run.

Prolific Solomona has scored 24 tries in 18 games so far this term, thrilling crowds with some of his increasingly famous one-handed finishes that defy belief.

It is no surprise there are rumours that not only Super League rivals but NRL clubs back in Australia who are monitoring his progress intently.

On those unreal finishes, Solomona insisted: “It is what it is; props run hard, wingers try and score tries.

“You work hard and just try and do your best to cross the line, that’s all the forwards ask from us really.

“As for the rumours, there’s been a lot of talk on that but, obviously, I’m signed for another two-to-three years here so everything else is just out the window. I’m happy here so why would I change that?

“We’ve got Michael Shenton on a long deal, just signed Luke Gale on a long deal, too, so I don’t see reason to change anything.”

Dorn is included in the 19-man and hoping to play after that recent setback but second-row Mike McMeeken is left out, Will Maher and Tom Holmes looking to force their way into the 17.

Hull have had some issues, losing captain Ellis (groin), fellow back-row Sika Manu (calf) and Talanoa (knee).

Former Castleford back-row Jordan Thompson, Dean Hadley and Curtis Naughton come in while Leon Pryce and Jansin Turgut are also added to the 19.