CHRIS CHESTER is contemplating handing out a debut to young Castleford Tigers centre Daniel Sarbah.
Sarbah, who has come through the Castleford ranks, has been training with the first team all year and could be in with a shot of playing in the Tigers’ away fixture at Hull FC on Friday.
The 19-year-old would likely slot in at centre in place of usual back-rower Alex Mellor, as director of rugby Chester explained the situation.
“Daniel is pretty close, we are having to use Alex Mellor in there as we are light on the outside backs,” Chester said.
“We are working on bringing in a couple of bodies because we are down to the bare bones in terms of the squad, but everyone is going through similar situations.
“We’ve got to bite down and get on with it but Daniel has been great this year and has played well in the reserves.
“I’m hopeful he will get a game, whether that’s on Friday or in the next three weeks.
“The kid is ready and I look forward to seeing him in a Cas jersey.”
Aside from Sarbah, Chester has also hinted at further changes to the side that was thrashed 44-0 by Hull KR last time out.
“There will be a couple of changes in there and will look a little different to last week,” he said.
“I’m sure those 17 players will give everything. The mood in camp is very good, it’s up to the guys to perform now and hopefully we can do that.”
A number of Tigers players were booed before, during and after the loss to Hull KR.
But Chester has revealed that those players are still determined to do their best for Castleford.
“I’ve spoken to them individually. We are only talking about a small minority but you can’t let those guys win,” he said.
“We know we’ve got a good group of players here and we know where we are.
“I spoke to those individuals (that were booed) and they want to play. I’ve had to put an arm around them and they’ve responded really well.”