Castleford Tigers: Millington will never tire of winning at Headingley

Tigers will go into Saturday’s Magic Weekend showdown with Warrington Wolves on a high following their 52-12 victory at Leeds Rhinos in First Utility Super League round 14.

The record-breaking success – Castleford’s biggest-ever score at Headingley – was their third win in as many visits to Leeds and they are on a four-game hot streak against their fierce rivals and neighbours, including the 18-14 home success at Easter.

With Luke Dorn and Luke Gale both impressing on their return from injury, it was also the perfect tonic after three straight league defeats and moved Tigers a step closer to securing a place in the Super-8s.

After a fine Ladbrokes Challenge Cup victory over Salford Red Devils in their previous game, five days earlier, Millington feels Castleford are getting back on course following a mid-season wobble.

“It is always good to get a win at Headingley,” Millington said.

“We like playing there.

“Leeds haven’t had the best of seasons, they are pretty far off where they were last year, but they are always hard to beat on their own ground.

“It is pleasing to get a win against a side who still have a lot of quality players in there.

“The result was really pleasing, but the most pleasing thing was we backed up the performance from the week before.

“In the past we have been guilty of not being able to string a few wins together.”

The Aussie forward, who was on the bench against Leeds after playing at stand-off in the victory over Salford, reckons there are areas of Tigers’ game they still need to work on.

Cas eased up in the final half an hour after leading 40-6 soon after half-time and Millington said: “We are still a bit disjointed, losing players here and there. But we got the win, which is all that matters and I think we did a good job.”

Full-back Dorn – who has confirmed he will retire at the end of this season – scored a first-half hat-trick on his comeback from a two-month lay-off due to a hamstring tear.

His return was a huge bonus for Tigers and Millington believes he – and the team – will get better with more game time under his belt.

Dorn will be a key man as Castleford bid to climb the table towards the top-four play-off spots.

And Millington said his influence on attack and defence is invaluable.

“Dorny gives us that bit extra,” Millington observed.

“He gives us a bit more support play, playing alongside Junior [Moors], who is in great form and is so hard to tackle at the moment.

“Running off our two big back-rowers, Junior and Michael McMeeken, he scored a couple of tries and he showed his experience by finding the ball down the middle of a great kick by Galey [Luke Gale].

“It’s not only that, but his defensive talk as well – pushing us about on the line.

“He has got that big, loud voice and you know if you have made a mistake, because he really gives it to you.

“Our defence improved a fair bit on Thursday night as well, so hopefully he will keep us going in the right direction.”

Saturday’s middle game on the opening day of the Magic Weekend, at Newcastle’s St James’ Park, will be another huge test for Tigers.

Warrington are top of the table and won 56-12 when the sides met at HJ Stadium two months ago.

“It is a big game for us,” Millington said. “We’ve had a couple of days off, so we’ve had chance to freshen up.

“They absolutely smacked us the last time we played them, so we will be looking to get one back and we will be confident going into that match.”