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Galpharm win a turning point, says Widders
EXPERIENCED Aussie Dean Widders is confident that Castleford Tigers have turned a corner.
Tigers ended a five-match losing streak when they won 13-6 at high-flying Huddersfield Giants four days ago.
And Widders – who signed for Cas in the off-season from South Sydney Rabbitohs after more than 150 appearances in Australia's NRL – feels the momentum gained from that victory can carry Tigers into the engage Super League play-offs.
"It's a turning point win," said Widders. "It was backs to the wall and we defended it out.
"Our defence hasn't been real good for the last couple of weeks, but we got a narrow win against a side that pipped us the last time we played there, a few weeks ago.
"that shows we can turn the corner.
"I think our attitude in training last week was different to what it has been and hopefully we'll now build on the back of that victory."
Tigers led 12-0 at half-time at the Galpharm, but were under the cosh for most of the second half.
Giants halved the gap with 14 minutes to go, but Cas refused to buckle and Rangi Chase's late drop goal sealed it.
Added Widders: "They broke us a few times, but to hold a side like that – who have got so many attacking options and with how well they have been going – to just six points in the whole game goes to show that we defended well.
"When you win with your defence, you really deserve it. It was a good attitude win for us and it's something we can take away and build the rest of our season around."
Tigers were without long-term casualties Ryan Hudson (broken arm) and Brent Sherwin (foot injury), who are both expected to return early next month.
James Evans and James Ford were also on the casualty list while Chris Feather was left out.
Widders said: "It has been tough for our club.
"We don't have the depth in a lot of positions that a lot of clubs have.
"We've lost our hooker and captain (Hudson) for a long, long time and our half-back, play-maker and probably most experienced player (Sherwin).
"But the guys who've had to fill in and move around have done a great job.
"Hopefully now we'll get a few players back and we can build some real momentum towards the back end of the season."
Widders is one of the players who has had to take on an unfamiliar role, filling in at right-centre.
"I have never played there before," he said. "But we've got to fill a few gaps and I am just happy to do my bit and help the club out.
"Like everyone else in our team at the moment, wherever we go we just have to give it our best."
Widders said the return of Sherwin and Hudson will give Tigers a massive lift going into the business end of the season.
"We definitely need them in our side," he said. "Raz (Hudson) is training at the moment and has made a big difference to the side already.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him back out there playing."
Tigers take on Les Catalans Dragons at the Jungle on Saturday, aiming for only their third home win of the campaign.
"We've been bad at times at home," admitted Widders. "We've lost a lot of close ones.
"The fans have been great, they've supported us all year so it would be marvellous to get a good win at home this week."
Tigers came away from Huddersfield with no new injuries.
James Evans could be out of action for two more weeks due to a shoulder problem.
GIANTS' Darrell Griffin was appearing before the RFL disciplinary committee today accused of an alleged reckless grapple or strangle tackle on Tigers' Brett Ferres in the 57th minute of Friday's game.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him back out there playing.”
Tigers take on Les Catalans Dragons at the Jungle on Saturday, aiming for only their third home win of the campaign.
“We’ve been bad at times at home,” admitted Widders. “We’ve lost a lot of close ones.
“The fans have been great, they’ve supported us all year so it would be marvellous to get a good win at home this week.”
Tigers came away from Huddersfield with no new injuries.
James Evans could be out of action for two more weeks due to a shoulder problem.
l Giants’ Darrell Griffin was appearing before the RFL disciplinary committee today accused of an alleged reckless grapple or strangle tackle on Tigers’ Brett Ferres in the 57th minute of Friday’s game.
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
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