Tigers head coach Daryl Powell revealed the extent of his injury-ravaged side ahead of Friday’s Super League clash at home to Wigan Warriors.
Cas won their opening game against Toronto Wolfpack at Headingley 10-28, but will be without several players from that matchday squad.
Powell told BBC Radio Leeds: “Pretty tough to be honest. From last week, Pete Mata’utia will be up tonight. Tyla Hepi, George Griffin and Adam Milner have all got head knocks and are unlikely to play this week.
“It’s going to be a tough game for us, but we’re looking forward to the challenge of it. Being without ten or eleven players is always difficult but it is what it is. As unfortunate as it is we have to deal with it.
“We’ve just spoken about being excited about the challenge that’s in front of us, but it’s pretty tough on us for it to happen so early on in the season. We have got used to it in the last few years and it’s something we’ll deal with.”
Powell also discussed the probability of anyone returning from injury to help his already depleted squad out.
He stated: “Probably Oliver Holmes. He’ll have a test on Thursday and see where he is, hopefully he’ll be able to come back.”
On the chances of seeing a youthful Castleford bench on Friday, Powell had this to say:
“It’ll be pretty young. I just need to go through the squad this afternoon with the coaching staff and we’ll make a decision on where we’re gonna go.”
