Daryl Powell believes Castleford Tigers are in better shape than they were 12 months ago as they prepare for the big kick-off.
The Tigers finished the 2018 campaign in third place but head into 2019 without star man Luke Gale who has been ruled out for the season through injury.
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There has been just one new signing and talk of unrest in the camp, but as Castleford prepare to face Catalans Dragons in the their opening game, Powell is a happy coach.
“Pete Mata’utia has slotted in and I thought he was exceptional against Leeds,” Powell said of last year’s mid-season signing.
“We have got an embedded full-back, which is great. “We didn’t have that last year and it is such a key position. Luke Gale is obviously a massive loss, but Jordan Rankin has come in and he is a high-quality player.
“Jake Trueman has advanced from last year and we’ve got competition across every position. Some of the young kids have improved significantly so we are in a good spot.”
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