Cooper makes instant impact

Castleford loan-signing Mike Cooper made a try-scoring debut for the Tigers in their win over Catalans at the weekend.

The young prop, who joined last week from Warrington, was among the scorers as Castleford returned to winning ways with victory over Kevin Walters’ side.

Cooper said: “We made a poor start, and that’s something that we need to put right, but in the second forty there were some good signs and we played some good rugby – and it was nice to get a try on my debut.

“If we play like we did in the second half for the rest of the season then I think that Cas will go well.”

Cooper followed in the footsteps of fellow loan signing Shaun Ainscough, who scored on debut against Hull KR a fortnight ago.

Tigers boss Terry Matterson said: “Mike Cooper had a good solid debut opening our scoring, he went well for us and looks a useful acquisition, and John Davies will have benefited from his first outing, but I have to give credit to the full seventeen.

“We weren’t too good in the first half but we did really well in the second and I was pleased for the guys. It was a tough test, Catalans had their chances but we stuck to the task and could have had another try after Wainwright’s but it was disallowed.”

Attention now turns to a difficult match against Wigan this weekend.

The coach added: “Wigan are obviously going well and are the form team but we are looking forwards to the challenge and hopefully Saturday’s win will encourage a good following from our fans to give us their usual strong support.”