We can win trophies this year says Castleford Tigers star

A meeting today is set to confirm when the competition will resume following the Covid-19 pandemic, how many matches will be played and a date for the Grand Final.

The timing of the break was not ideal for Tigers whose last game before coronavirus struck was a home win over champions St Helens on March 15.

The resumption will effectively be a new campaign, but Olpherts believes there’s no reason why coach Daryl Powell’s men can’t get straight back into their groove.

“We’ve got a good team, a good set of lads and we are always keeping in touch,” Olpherts said.

“I am sure everyone will be keeping fit and raring to go when they get back.

“It is that kind of mindset at Castleford, you have got to have that mindset that you want to be doing good when you come back and you want to win something.

“There’s still something to win at the end of this so you’ve got to keep that mindset in your head.”

Olpherts insisted that is a realistic aim.

“We are second in the table at the moment and we’ve played more games than most teams so we are going to have to play fewer games now and that should work in our favour,” he said.

“Our goal is to get to a final and win something, which it is for most teams, but I am definitely confident we can get there.”

Though the season is expected to be shortened in terms of matches, there will be midweek fixtures when rugby resumes.

“That is going to play a big part in it,” Olpherts admitted.

“There’s going to be some sore bodies, especially the middles.

“I am glad I am not a forward - I’ll be all right on the wing, my two tackles a year!

“But squad strength is going to be important.

“Anyone can get injured at any time, that’s rugby league - it is going to happen.

“It’s about whoever comes in and takes their role doing as well as the person who was there before.

Olpherts made his professional debut for Dewsbury Rams in 2012 and had spells in League One with Hemel Stags and Newcastle Thunder before stepping up to Super League with Salford in 2018.

He ran in 16 tries in 42 games for the Red Devils and is ever-present for Tigers this term, sitting joint-second on Super League’s list of touchdowns with six in seven appearances.

That is one behind Hull KR’s former Castleford back Ben Crooks and level with his ex-teammate Ken Sio.

“I’ve been training hard,” Olpherts said of the coronavirus layoff.

“I’ve been doing what I’ve been told to do and training on my own as well so I am sure I will be in as good a shape as I was when I left.

“That’s my plan, I want to carry on from where I left off.”

When his signing was announced, last July, Olpherts was described as the “stand-out winger in Super League” by Tigers coach Daryl Powell.

Nothing he has done so far suggests that was an exaggeration.

Olpherts has been a key player for Tigers this year, but feels the change of environment has been just as good for him.

The 28-year-old Wakefield-born flier said: “I have loved every minute of it, since I first started training.

“I enjoy the coaches, the lads, the training - and getting the number two shirt.

“With that comes a lot of responsibility so I am just happy I have started off well and I hope I can carry on that way.

“It feels like I have fitted in like I have been there years, which is good. That’s what you want when you join a new team, you want to fit in straight away and get your feet straight in the door.”

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