Castleford Tigers boss says players will kneel before Catalans Dragons kick-off

The game is Tigers’ first since they beat champions St Helens 28-14 on March 15, the day before Covid-19 led to all rugby league in this country being suspended.

The Black Lives Matter movement has gained worldwide attention during rugby league’s coronavirus layoff with athletes in various sports - including Premiership football - kneeling before fixtures to show their support for the fight against racism.

All four teams involved in last weekend’s first round of Super League following the sport’s return took part in the protest, with Catalans’ Israel Folau being the only player not to kneel.

The Australian centre’s stance made global headlines and means there will be as much focus on what happens before kick off tomorrow as once the action begins.

Powell has urged his players - who lost away to Catalans in Folau’s Super League debut six months ago - not to get distracted from the job at hand, but stressed his and their “absolute” opposition to racism and discrimination.

“We played Catalans just after Israel had signed for them,” Powell recalled.

“There was a lot of hype around that and we don’t really want to get dragged into the hype around what happened last week.

“He scored with his first touch against us last time.

“But [we are] absolutely massively in support of people against racism, that is absolutely clear throughout our squad.

“The players have discussed it, they know there needs to be a clear decision from the players in the way they go about it.

“I have spoken to all of our players and they are fully in support of our black players and against racism.”

Asked if Tigers’ players will take a knee tomorrow, Powell said: “I am expecting that’s exactly what will happen.”

Dragons coach Steve McNamara has described Folau’s decision not to knee as a “personal choice” and insisted: “As a club we are completely against racism and all for equal opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Tigers' Coral Challenge Cup sixth round tie against Hull, at Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium on Saturday, August 22, has been confirmed as a 2.30pm kick-off, live on BBC One.

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins