Matterson puts friendship to one side

Castleford coach Terry Matterson will put aside friendship when the Tigers travel to Edinburgh for Super League’s Magic Weekend.

Matterson will go head-to-head with one of his oldest friends when he tries to outwit Catalans boss Kevin Walters at Murrayfield Stadium on Sunday (2.00).

The pair were team-mates at Brisbane Broncos during the early 1990s and have remained close pals.

Matterson said: “We played together for six or seven years and won a couple of NRL Grand Finals together, so we’re very good friends and we’re still in regular contact.

“I’m pleased that we’ve drawn the Dragons and we’re playing Kevin’s team, but it’s a pity that we can’t both win because he’s a good guy.

“They had a great finish to the end of last season and they’ve got plenty of quality in their ranks.”

The Tigers coach has urged all Castleford fans to make the trip to Scotland for what promises to be a spectacular event and he reckons that his side are set for a particular thriller against the Dragons.

“The match up between ourselves and Catalans should be a really good one for all the fans,” said Matterson.

“We’ve had some great battles with them over the last couple of years and they always seem to come down to just two or four points separating the teams in the end.

“Both teams play some really attractive Rugby League and we’ve both been doing it tough at the moment, so it’s one we’re looking forward to.”