Wakefield Trinity Wildcats head coach Richard Agar admits he is excited about the prospect of facing local rivals Castleford this afternoon, admitting there is plenty at stake for both sides.
The Tigers are flying high at the top of Super League, whilst the Wildcats are languishing down at the wrong end of the ladder. However, Agar hopes the derby atmosphere will see his side raise the intensity an extra notch, and give that little bit more enthusiasm when it really matters.
“We’re playing a good team in terrific form. We’re excited about the challenge – I always enjoy the derby fixtures, to be honest,” Agar said.
“There’s a lot at stake for both clubs including league positions, and there’s more at stake than any other game given how it’s a local derby.
“You’d be mightily disappointed if you didn’t think your players were going to stick that extra little bit into the tackles and into the carries when they’re running with the ball.”
Agar has highlighted the start of the clash – an area where Castleford have thrived so far this season – as an important aspect of the game, insisting his side have to take it to the Tigers early on, rejecting claims they may choose to keep it tight.
“We’re playing a team that are starting games well; so the start is going to be massively important for us. We’ve seen what Cas have done to Wigan and Saints in two really strong first-half performances this year, so I really think the start of the game is going to be massive for us.
“We want to get out there and ask some questions of Castleford. Keeping it tight is something we don’t base ourselves on; we play our best stuff when we use the ball and ask questions of the other team. We need to make sure we get an even share of the ball, which is something we haven’t had over the last couple of weeks.”
