Castleford Tigers on track for "big year" says Peter Mata'utia

A "great" start has put Castleford Tigers on course for a successful season, Australian back Peter Mata’utia reckons.
Peter Mata'utia. Picture by SWpixPeter Mata'utia. Picture by SWpix
Peter Mata'utia. Picture by SWpix

Tigers will go top of Betfred Super League if they win at Hull KR on Thursday and Mata’utia predicted: “I think we are in for a big year.”

The centre/full-back said: “We are a very confident side and not many people are talking about us.

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“We will fly under the radar and just do our bit and hopefully we’ll have a good year.”

Tigers celebrate during the win over Wakefield. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Tigers celebrate during the win over Wakefield. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Tigers celebrate during the win over Wakefield. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Castleford have played a game more than some of their rivals, losing just once in their opening four fixtures.

“We would have preferred to be four from four, but three from four is a great start, Mata’utia - who returned from suspension in last week’s 32-15 win over Wakefield Trinity - insisted.

“It is a long season and it’s all about a good start and just hanging in there until the end of the season.

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“Credit to the boys, we’ve got another block coming up now and we’re looking forward to it.”

Encouragingly for Tigers, their wins so far have been achieved without some key players, but their casualty list is now beginning to clear up.

Mata’utia reflected: “We have got some boys who come in half way through the week and then are playing, but we have got bodies coming back and it is creating more competition for spots and that’s just going to make us better.”

Mata’utia played in the round one win over Toronto Wolfpack, but picked up a two-game ban which kept him out of the victory over Wigan Warriors and defeat at Catalans Dragons.

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After that setback, he admitted he needs to make up for lost time.

“I hate missing out on games,” said the former Leigh Centurions man who is now in his third season with Castleford

“My biggest fear is letting the boys down so it’s good to be back and it was good to get the two points at home.”

Tigers trailed 15-14 at half-time against Wakefield, but dominated the second period.

“We struggled in the first half, too many penalties,” Mata’utia added.

“They controlled the ball very well, but we hung in there and trusted our pre-season and came back with a good second half.”