Danny Richardson looking to create ‘something special’ at Castleford Tigers

Trueman is already a Great Britain squad member, while Richardson was included in the Dream Team two years ago as a St Helens player.

The pair will team up on Sunday, for the first time in a competitive game, when Tigers take on Toronto Wolfpack at Emerald Headingley in Betfred Super League round one – and Richardson can’t wait.

“We were slowly building up until Christmas,” Tigers’ big off-season signing said of the new combination.

“Since we’ve come back after Christmas I feel like we’ve really clicked.

“I still think it will take a fair few games to bed in and really get a partnership going, because you can train all you want, but the real test comes in games.

“I think give it a few games and we can really create something special.”

Richardson fell out of favour at Saints last term and had a spell on dual-registration with Leigh Centurions in the Betfred Championship.

“I am in a place now where I am happy,” he said.

“I go into training with a smile on my face, knowing I am going to be playing and I can put all my efforts into being the best player I can be for Castleford.

“I can’t wait for the season to start now.

“We’ve been training since early November and I feel like I’ve been ready for a long time.

“I feel good, I am in a good head space and as a team we feel good, we’re ready to go and everyone’s excited.”

Runaway league leaders in 2017, Tigers have largely been ignored as title contenders in the build up to the new campaign.

Richardson said: “I feel like we are going under the radar and I am happy with that.

“You look at some of the signings clubs have made – like Gaz Widdop at Warrington, Sonny Bill Williams at Toronto, George Burgess at Wigan – and I am happy for everyone to talk about all them and for us to just go under the radar.

“I really think if we stay fit we have a squad worthy of contending.”

Toronto are facing a huge step up after dominating the Championship last year, but round one is never an easy time to play a newly-promoted side.

Tigers had a warning when they were beaten 16-12 by Toronto in Michael Shenton’s testimonial game two weeks ago.

Richardson said: “I think it’s good, we’ve had a look at a few things that we can try and exploit.

“We played a little bit different to the way we’ve trained in pre-season so it’s something new for them to expect this week.”