Castleford Tigers: Super League teams out to tame Tigers warns Holmes

That’s the view of forward Oliver Holmes with just 10 days until last year’s league leaders begin their Betfred Super League season away to St Helens.

“Teams aren’t going to be surprised by us now because over the last couple of years we have been there or thereabouts,” Holmes warned.

“Teams are going to be coming after us this year and we’ve got to be ready for it.

“Possibly it will be harder this year. Looking at the squads, it’s hard to pick a top eight.

“Looking at how many teams played well last year, the eight wasn’t sealed until late so there’s a lot of teams playing to make sure they get in the top eight and that’s going to make it very competitive.

“You’ve got to be on your game every week.”

Despite that, Holmes said Tigers are “100 per cent confident we can have another good season”.

He added: “We haven’t had a big change around in personnel. We’ve got a few additions that Powelly [coach Daryl Powell] thinks can add something to the squad and it’s big enough, with strength in depth that has treated us well in previous years.

“You need that strength these days with the pace of the game and how harsh it is on your body.

“I don’t see why we can’t do the same as last year, but one better.”

With a close race predicted, Holmes, who played in the 16-4 pre-season win over Leeds Rhinos two days ago, admitted Tigers need to start well.

“We’re aiming to hit the ground running,” he insisted.

“The start of the season is very important, you sort of set your platform for the rest of the year.”