Castleford Tigers v St Helens: Tigers must ‘raise it’ for big games says Michael Shenton

Tigers began round seven in third place, two points behind table-topping St Helens who visit the Jungle tomorrow evening.

Castleford got back to winning ways, after their first defeat of the season at Warrington Wolves, with a nervy 24-20 success against Salford Red Devils five days ago, but Shenton reckons tomorrow night is a step up.

“You’ve got to give credit to Salford, they really challenged us,” he said of last weekend’s battle. “They are such a smart team and well coached, they had some set plays that stung us and from us there were too many knock offs.

“Our ability to defend our line wasn’t good enough and we spoke straight after the game about what’s coming against St Helens. They are the best team in the competition at the moment, without doubt.

“The way they are playing – defending and attacking – they are really going to challenge us, so we have to improve.

“There’s no doubt about that, but if we want to do something this year we have to raise it for the really big games.”