Powell: Our versatility is a real strength
Castleford Head Coach Daryl Powell admitted the way his side can adopt several different styles of play is a big positive.
The Tigers swept aside Denis Betts’ men 34-0 victory at the Select Security Stadium.
“Our ability to play different ways is really paying dividends for us at the moment,” he said.
“[Paul] McShane at nine just gives us a little bit of a different look to when Adam Milner’s there.”
The way his side kept Widnes from scoring a single point was the most pleasing thing for Powell.
“Defensively it was really impressive,” he added.
“I thought our defence in the second-half was outstanding and restricted Widnes to their own half consistently.
“That’s the most pleasing thing.”
Luke Gale kicked six goals out of six on the way to registering his 1500th career point and Powell explained how he has developed since joining the club.
The half-back moved from Bradford Bulls in 2014 and signed a new five-year deal less than 12 months ago.
“Since we signed him he’s just improved year on year as a player,” he said.
“His relationship with Michael Shenton on the left-hand side has grown immeasurably.
“His goal-kicking’s fantastic and his field-kicking is great.”
Despite a one-sided result, the Tigers didn’t have it all their own way especially in the first quarter and Powell was pleased with the way his side kept their composure through the adversity.
“Even when things are going against us we don’t get rattled,” he said.
“I thought they got after us at the start and were really good.
“They just couldn’t break us down and that tackle from McShane was a turning point where we got them over the back.”