Castleford Tigers: Impressive Hitchcox gives Powell a problem

Former Featherstone Rovers man Jy Hitchcox scored a brace of tries in his first appearance for Castleford when they won at Hull last week.

Hitchcox was not in Tigers’ original squad for the game, but came in at late notice after fellow Australian Joel Monaghan was forced to pull out due to a back problem.

Monaghan did not train yesterday, but Powell said he is expected to join in tomorrow’s session and could feature at Langtree Park.

Denny Solomona, who scored a hat-trick against Hull, took a knock to a knee, but Powell said he “should be all right”.

And the coach admitted: “Clearly I will have a decision to make. I thought Jy was excellent, he handled it spot on.

“He defended well, carried the ball well and scored a couple of tries. It’s not a bad way to make your Super League debut, scoring a try with your first touch.”

Tigers forward Oliver Holmes has a groin problem and will be assessed before Powell names his 19-man squad tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Cas scrum-half Luke Gale is among the nominees for the February First Utility Super League player of the month award.

Others on the shortlist are Hulls’ Danny Houghton, Robert Lui (Salford Red Devils), Chris Sandow (Warrington Wolves) and Corey Thompson (Widnes Vikings).

Fans can vote via the First Utility Super League Facebook page.

A panel will make the final decision from the two players receiving the most votes.