Samoan star tips Castleford Tigers for big things after Super League restart

Centre or full-back Peter Mata’utia reckons Castleford Tigers can achieve something “really good” this year.
Peter Mata'utia. Picture by SWpix.comPeter Mata'utia. Picture by SWpix.com
Peter Mata'utia. Picture by SWpix.com

Tigers will return to action following the long coronavirus layoff when they face Catalans Dragons behind closed doors at Leeds’ Emerald Headingley Stadium on Saturday, August 8.

Castleford are second in Betfred Super League, behind Wigan Warriors on points difference, after winning five of their opening seven games - though they lost two points when cash-strapped Toronto Wolfpack withdrew from the competition last week.

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The top-four after 20 rounds will qualify for sudden-death semi-finals in November and Mata’utia insisted: “I definitely don’t think that is a goal that’s out of reach.”

The Australian-born Samoa international said: “Since I have been at this club it has seemed like a big building process until this year and I think we have finally got the formula we’ve been trying for the past three years.

“We have been in the mix since I have been here, which is a good thing.

“I definitely think we are a top-three team, but it is not going to come easy.

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“We will have to work hard for it and it will be interesting with all the new rules and the amount of time we’ve got to train for it.”

Jake Trueman's try helped Tigers beat St Helens in their final game before lockdown. Picture by Tony Johnson.Jake Trueman's try helped Tigers beat St Helens in their final game before lockdown. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Jake Trueman's try helped Tigers beat St Helens in their final game before lockdown. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Castleford beat champions St Helens on March 15, in their final game before the shutdown and will be aiming to pick up from where they left off.

“I thought we were pretty consistent, besides a few injuries and suspensions,” Mata’utia said of their start to the campaign.

“We have got great depth in the team, a lot of young kids who are training and will get a debut this year.

“I’m excited for them and for what this club can do.”

Peter Mata'utia hopes fans will soon be allowed back into the Jungle. Picture by Tony Johnson.Peter Mata'utia hopes fans will soon be allowed back into the Jungle. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Peter Mata'utia hopes fans will soon be allowed back into the Jungle. Picture by Tony Johnson.
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Tigers are now in the second of three weeks’ training before their playing return.

Mata’utia reported: “The boys have turned up in good shape, we have been pretty slick with the ball, which is pretty cool.

“At the same time, we expected to come back in decent shape, especially how we finished before the lockdown.

"There are high expectations in the team group and the coaching staff too and we definitely feel like there’s something to be done really good this year.”

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