Former St Helens halfback Danny Richardson has been talked up by head coach Daryl Powell as the man to get Castleford ticking in 2020 after the Tigers missed out on glory in 2018 and 2019.
And Richardson let his actions do the talking on Friday night in Castleford’s 16-12 victory over Wigan, putting in an assured performance that belied his relative youth.
The scrum-half made his St Helens debut in 2017, making 54 Super League appearances in total for the Champions. But he made just twelve appearances in 2019, and he is now backing himself to make it as a Castleford Tigers player and reaping the rewards of success.
“We played really well and we controlled the game. Wigan couldn’t really gain any momentum,” Richardson told League Express.
“We talked before the game about game management and that’s what I pride myself on. Those kicks into touch were a way of frustrating Wigan and making them play out from their own goal-line.”
Of course, having come through the Saints ranks from just 16 years of age, helping steer the Tigers to success over the Warriors was always going to be a little more special for Richardson.
“As someone who played in full-blooded derby games against them it’s always nice to beat Wigan and we deserved it from the get-go. There were a few times in the second-half when they (Wigan) looked like they were going to get the momentum, but they just couldn’t get through our defence.
“Credit to the boys, our defence was outstanding. And to say we had so many men out, those that came in did themselves proud.”
On a personal note, the halfback appears to have settled in seamlessly in West Yorkshire, and he praises the club for the way he has been welcomed.
“I’ve felt like I belonged from the minute I stepped into the club. The boys were all so good to me and that togetherness shows on the field. We all want to fight for each other. It’s a never-say-die attitude. Their last try (by Joe Burgess) was a bit disappointing, but Wigan were never going to give in either, they are a quality outfit.”
As the season progresses, Castleford fans will be hoping that the partnership with Jake Trueman in the halves is only going to get better, and on the evidence so far the duo complement each other well and the omens are promising.