England's World Cup warm up match tonight at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium couldn't really have been more decisive, with expectations of a Wales drubbing ending up wholly justified. A supposedly second string England side exposed just how far the game in Wales has declined in recent years, nilling the visitors and racking up a whacking 74 points in the process.
Wales, of course, aren't at the World Cup finals and it's not really surprising on this performance. Sadly, the days in the 90's when an England v Wales game was to be relished are gone and if Celtic's welcome to the top table can do anything to reverse the Principality's slide then that alone will justify their inclusion. For tonight though, Cas connected Jordan James, Mark Lennon and Cas lad Rhys Griffiths had to suck up the loss and hope there's better days to come in the future.
For different reasons it was probably a bit disappointing for another Tiger too. Shenny knocked his pan out all night on the English right hand side but was to be starved of possession by Tony Smith's gameplan of 'up the middle' or 'left to make Calderwood look good'. Nevertheless he did get involved with a number of characteristic defensive efforts, not least of which was a clear try-saver when, yes you guessed it, Calderwood missed his man. It must be gutting for Shenny to know he's not on the plane on Monday, but at least if there's any justice at all he can relax in the knowledge that nobody with half a brain can keep on ignoring his obvious talent. Surely, his international career will blossom sometime soon.
So England take a huge win with them to Australia and will open their World Cup on the 25th October against Papua New Guinea. We'll be charting their efforts, so if you want to follow the lads' progress, you could do worse than keeping it right here on Ayberspace!
Our super sleuth Delboy66 is feeling very smug now as the Club have announced the departure of Mick 'Robbo' Robinson, which we posted on this site a few days ago.
In something of an exclusive for this site, word is reaching us at AYE HQ that a certain Mr Robinson who worked at the Tigers will allegedly be leaving the club shortly.
Rising Tigers star Joe Westerman has been honoured at last night's Super League awards bash in Manchester, beating off stiff opposition to take home the Young Player of the Year award. It's just rewards for Joe who has wowed the whole league after seamlessly making the move up to top flight action this season.
It's a great way to round off a season which has not only seen Joe become a father but also get himself selected in the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup.
Very well done Joe - and thoroughly deserved! Other awards on the night were pretty much dominated by Grand Finalists Saints with James Graham capping the haul by scooping the Man of Steel award.
Cas have upgraded two more youngsters to the first team, as Jonathan Walker and James Cording have been given full time deals at prop and threequarter respectively. The pair follow Joe Arundel up from the Academy as Cas continue to embed a strong development path into the culture of the Tigers.
Speaking to Castigers.com, CEO Richard Wright said: "Jonathan and Jamie are another two exciting young players who, if they are prepared to work hard, have the potential to become Super League players".
We wish Jonathan and Jamie every success in 2009.
Disco on September 30 2008 11:38:55 ·
0 Comments · 13 Reads
·
TWO OUT OF TWO: KORKI RELEASED
Well two out of two ain't bad is it?
The Official Site has today confirmed rumours that, prop forward, Michael Korkidas(pic) has been released from the last year of his current contract with the club.
The confirmation comes a week after rumor started in an article in which The Guardian suggested that Huddersfield were hot on his tail, nothing official has been released by the Giants at the time of writing, however, in the Guardian article they mentioned the signing of Simon Finnigan which has been confirmed by Huddersfield. So Watch this space.
Best of luck Korki...
Adam on September 30 2008 11:36:18 ·
0 Comments · 12 Reads
·
HOME PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES ANNOUNCED
The Tigers have arranged three pre-season matches at the Jungle, starting on Boxing Day when the club entertain Doncaster.
The details of the home pre-season fixtures are:-
Boxing Day 26 December v DONCASTER 11.30am
Sunday 18 January v HUDDERSFIELD KO 3.30pm
Sunday 25 January v WAKEFIELD KO 3.30pm
No sooner is Hendo out of the door and the Tigers are already confirming a replacement for Captain Fantastic in the hooking role, confirming the much rumoured capture of Hull KR youngster Kirk Netherton.
Kirk will initially join the club for the 2009 season and will doubtless be acting as understudy to Ryan Hudson who is bound to be the first choice number nine. At a little shy of 23 years old Kirk is young enough to hopefully learn a lot from a seasoned pro like Hudson, so while we're all downbeat about Hendo leaving there ought to be an acceptance that the blend we're left with ought to be a very workable one.
Kirk made 23 appearances for KR last season, bagging a couple of tries and getting some much needed Super League first team experience too.
Disco on September 25 2008 13:54:13 ·
3 Comments · 41 Reads
·
SAD DAY FOR CAS FANS AS HENDO DEPARTS...
Depressing news is emerging from various sources that Cas favourite Andy Henderson will not be retained by the Tigers for 2009. Radio and newspaper reports state that he has signed a deal to take him up to Gateshead for 2009, linking back up with ex Tigers coach Dave Woods.
The man who in recent times has captained the Tigers to two NL1 league titles and who clearly has black and amber running in his veins, will be sorely missed by Cas fans who had unanimously been calling for the club to retain his services. However, the writing was perhaps on the wall when the capture of new hooker Ryan Hudson was announced and matters were further complicated by the RFL's poxy bloody rules about English trained - rather than English born - player quotas. We're assuming Andy and his brother will be continuing their legal challenge to that rule, possibly the silliest in any professional sport.
Oh well... here's hoping the future brings Hendo every possible success. Thanks for everything you've done for us Andy and good luck for the future mate!
Disco on September 25 2008 12:12:42 ·
1 Comments · 68 Reads
·
FAUMUINA'S DAY IN COURT
Following his arrest earlier this month, soon to be Castleford star Sione Faumuina (pic) has been handed a $1000 fine by Brisbane magistrates after pleading guilty to charges of wilful damage and drunk and disorderly. The court was told that Faumuina threw a bottle into a mirror at the Uber nightclub on September 11 after security personnel asked him to leave.
Speaking to the press after the hearing, Faumuina's brief explained that the player had been on his "first night out for several months", following a self-imposed alcohol ban during the regular NRL season. "He was not out of control at any time, but had become frustrated when staff asked him to leave the venue without giving him a reason. He's obviously remorseful for his actions. He's just looking forward to playing rugby league in England in a couple of months time."
It remains to be seen whether Cas will have any statement to make regarding the incident or whether that's now considered the end of the matter.
All site content is the property of The Aye of the Tigers fanzine. If you wish to use any of the material you see here, in whatever context, then please do the decent thing and ask us for permission.We are an entirely independent fanzine & website. Views expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the Castleford Tigers club or of its officials, sponsors or other associates.
England's World Cup warm up match tonight at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium couldn't really have been more decisive, with expectations of a Wales drubbing ending up wholly justified. A supposedly second string England side exposed just how far the game in Wales has declined in recent years, nilling the visitors and racking up a whacking 74 points in the process. 
Our super sleuth Delboy66 is feeling very smug now as the Club have announced the departure of Mick 'Robbo' Robinson, which we posted on this site a few days ago.
Rising Tigers star Joe Westerman has been honoured at last night's Super League awards bash in Manchester, beating off stiff opposition to take home the Young Player of the Year award. It's just rewards for Joe who has wowed the whole league after seamlessly making the move up to top flight action this season. 
Well two out of two ain't bad is it? 
Depressing news is emerging from various sources that Cas favourite 
Following his arrest earlier this month, soon to be Castleford star Sione Faumuina (pic) has been handed a $1000 fine by Brisbane magistrates after pleading guilty to charges of wilful damage and drunk and disorderly. The court was told that Faumuina threw a bottle into a mirror at the Uber nightclub on September 11 after security personnel asked him to leave.
A few random groaners from our crap jokes archive...
