Castleford Tigers Head Coach Frustrated After Heavy Leeds Rhinos Defeat
Castleford Tigers head coach Craig Lingard has heavily criticized his team’s performance following their 32-4 defeat to Leeds Rhinos in the Super League, describing it as a “2 or 3 out of 10”.
The Tigers struggled to make an impact in the heavy loss at Headingley, only managing to score their first try in the final quarter of the game – a stark contrast to their 30-22 win over Hull FC just the previous week.
Speaking after the match, which was broadcast live on BBC Two, Lingard acknowledged that the defeat highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued his side this season. “I think it highlights exactly where we are as a group. We’re either a 7 or an 8 or a 2 or 3,” he said.
Lingard acknowledged that the Tigers are missing some key players, particularly in the front-row, which has impacted their ability to compete with the physicality of opponents like Leeds. “We’re missing some quality players, we know we’re missing some quality players, we’re missing some punch in the middle and some aggression in the middle as well to win games like that.”
The Castleford boss said the upcoming break for the Challenge Cup final will provide a chance for his players to recover and prepare for their next match against Wigan Warriors. “A bit of rest and recuperation over the next few days. We’ve got quite a few niggles out there so I think it’s come at a decent time for us to patch a few bodies up and then we’ll come back and we’ll prep for Wigan as we normally do.”
Lingard acknowledged that his team needs to improve their consistency if they are to be competitive in the Super League this season, stating “We’re good, then we’re poor, then we’re awful and then we’re good again.” The Tigers will be looking to bounce back and find some form during the Challenge Cup break.
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