Castleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell has confirmed that James Clare looks likely to replace the suspended Justin Carney this weekend, as the Tigers look to cement their position in the top four by beating Hull Kingston Rovers.
Carney copped a two-game ban for his part in a ferocious scrap with Widnes Vikings winger Paddy Flynn during the victory last weekend, and Powell claims although he has plenty of options to step in for the dominant Australian, Clare will likely get the nod.
“James Clare has been great whenever he’s played this year, and he’s almost the next cab off the rank, despite me having a few other options to look at in terms of people to replace Justin,” Powell said.
“He’s certainly worked hard in the time that he’s not been playing, and I’m confident that he’ll come in and do a good job. He’s got lots of speed and skill, and he’s a pretty strong kid himself, too.”
Powell also claimed he has no fresh injury concerns, and could rotate his squad again for the clash against eighth-placed KR, with plenty of players kicking their heels waiting to get in the side.
“We’ve got some bumps and bruises, but I think we’ll be OK. There are a few guys who won’t train until Friday, but we’ll be strong enough. There are people available who haven’t played like (Jordan) Tansey, (Adam) Milner, (Ashley) Gibson and (Michael) Channing, but I’ll make a decision later in the week regarding who is going to play and who isn’t.”
