Matterson Feeling the Heat

It was all going so well for the Tigers. A well-fought win over Leeds five weeks ago was surely enough to complete the Super League survival act?
Not so it would seem and it sounds like the strain is starting to take it's toll on those at the Jungle.



Coach Terry Matterson's comments about the relegation situation appear not that of a man who is concerned with the general running of Super League, but more the pleas for help from a man feeling the pressure.

The Tigers haven't claimed a single point since their victory over Leeds nearly six weeks ago and after four straight defeats, Castleford go into the final three games of the season just one point ahead of Wakefield, the side they play on what will most likely be a last day relegation decider at Belle Vue.

At first glance, Matterson's comments about the relegation system seem justified and to be perfectly honest, they are not ills that haven't been pointed out before. Problems such as the uncertainty for the clubs at the bottom end of Super League and the difficulty faced by the club promoted from the National League to get together a Super League quality team in the space of just three months have been much discussed and, in that respect, Castleford have been somewhat fortuitous, being able to take advantage of the unexpected availabilities of Danny Ward and Danny Brough.

All such comments may just seem fairly innocuous but it's the timing of these comments, with just three games to go, that show that Matterson isn't just expressing a concern, but more appealing for assistance from those at Red Hall and it seems a shame that a coach who has deservedly earned great admiration for what he has done on limited resources at The Jungle should speak out like this.
The facts are simple. Castleford have been well aware of the relegation criteria since they won the National League Grand Final last October and the fact also remains that they could have ensured their survival some weeks ago.
Granted, few would expect them to be able to pick up points against runaway leaders St Helens or get something from a trip to Odsal but by the same token, they would have been expected to pick up points against fellow strugglers Huddersfield and at least get on the scoresheet at home to an 11-man Wakefield side.

With the bottom clubs all playing each other in the coming weeks and Wigan, Wakefield and Harlequins both finding some form going into the final furlong, Matterson is rightly worried. Granted, some players will return from injury for the game against Harlequins but a defeat in that game could set the Tigers on the slippery slope down to National League One.