Watch: Powell tips Ben Barba to light up Super League

Castleford coach Daryl Powell is backing St Helens full-back Ben Barba to light up Super League in 2018.

It has been a winter of chat about the full-back of position for the Tigers boss, with Zak Hardaker banned for drugs use and the decision to shift Ben Roberts to number one.

Powell said: “I’m backing Benny Roberts to be outstanding at full back but I think a really challenge for teams is going to be Ben Barba at full back.

“He would be a good addition for any team and he’s going to be a player who could light the competition up and teams will have to defend outstandingly well against him.”

Speaking at the rugby league season launch, Powell also brushed off talk that his men would be seen as a scalp and targeted in 2018 and that it will be a challenge they can rise to.

He added: “You’ve just got to play well. You’ve got to be aware of it, as every time is going to challenge you, you just have to use it as motivation to get the best out of you.

“There are some unknown quantities. There’s new coaches come in, Justin Holbrook’s had a pre-season with St Helens, Wakefield were great last year.

“It’s all a good challenge and I think it’s an exciting competition this year and I’m really looking forward to it.”