CASTLEFORD TIGERS head coach Ryan Carr has says captain Alex Mellor is recovering well, while hinting that Jake Thewlis could debut against Wakefield Trinity on Sunday.
Mellor broke his leg in the away defeat against Toulouse Olympique in February, whilst Thewlis has joined on loan from Warrington Wolves.
And Carr has revealed that the Castleford captain could return sooner rather than later.
“Alex Mellor is getting there, he is progressing really well and is ticking all the boxes he can,” Carr said.
“It’s the bone that’s got to heal so we are guided by that. He will be back in the next few weeks.
On Thewlis’ potential debut, Carr said: “He is doing a really good job in training but we’ve got a few things to shore up.
“He will be in the 21-man squad and we will know more closer to the game.
“Semi Valemei got knocked out and Mikaele Ravalawa picked up a knock. He was carrying a leg issue.
We are trying to get to the bottom of it but it’s not too serious.”
In terms of bringing in fresh faces, Carr insists Chris Chester is working hard to bring in fresh blood.
“It’s still the same situation as before. Chezzy is constantly trying to move our club forward and move our roster forward.
“He is active in the background but I’m firmly focused on the squad we’ve got here at the moment.”
Carr can’t wait to play the derby in front of The Jungle faithful.
“It’s going to be a big event at home, we are expecting a massive crowd. It should be a really good atmosphere.
“The boys love playing here in front of the fans. They are the best fans in the competition.
“The players are all really excited, they’ve been excited since we started our prep for this game.”