Sixth Round: Castleford v St Helens Rugby League: Challenge Cup

The 120th year of the rugby league Challenge Cup. I could list the

great names, the players, the clubs, the legends.

I could talk about community, the togetherness, a sense of pride. I

could talk about tough, rock-hard. I could talk about the sheer undoubted

talent. Goodness, gracious me! He's scored! That is one sensational try.

Listen to the noise! But I'm not going to because you know it.

Welcome to Yorkshire for our coverage of the 2017 Challenge Cup.

I try to get the directed to turn the camera towards Lancashire but

she's from Yorkshire and she is flatly refusing. It could be a long

old season. Anyhow, we have two of the great names in the sport to kick

off our coverage. Castleford against St Helens in the sixth round of the

Ladbrokes Challenge Cup from here, the Jungle. We will have all of the

build-up to the match and the highlights of the games that have

taken place so far this weekend in the cup, and we will have analysis

of England's victory over Samoa last week. And we want you to get

involved. Hashtag BBCRL for your comments across the social media

platforms. This is how your coverage looks across the BBC this weekend.

We will look forward to the World Cup from 4:30pm as well as bringing

you interviews and reaction to today's game.

I am delighted to say I have got three of the game's greats alongside

me. Sam Tomkins from Wigan, former Leeds and England player, and Brian

Noble, former coach of Great Britain. And does it feel like this

tournament is particularly wide open this year? I think so. Just looking

at the games from the start of the season, there have been shocks all

over the place. Just looking at Huddersfield getting beaten by

Swinton, it is wide open. It is good for everyone that any team could win

it. And we say this most years, but it is important because we hope to

have new viewers all the time, but unlike cup competitions in other

sports, this is a priority for Super League clubs, for clubs across rugby

league. It is not just about winning the Super League title. Very much

though. It's true that comes with this competition is over 100 years

old and it means everything to every club. For the leather gloves, it is

like increasing revenue, like the FA Cup in football, but it is an

opportunity for upsets. -- for the lower clubs. I don't know if we will

get one today. The game today is mouthwatering. A humdinger. I don't

think we could ask for a better game. To me and teams playing a

brilliant brand of football. We will talk about the field than amides

which are massively important today in relation to Castleford. -- the

field dynamics. They have been up and down a bit but they can be the

breathtaking team we talk about on their day. We will fight with the PA

system at the Jungle for the next few minutes and we will also bring

you the following. They have scored 83 ties so far this season, so we

will show you just how Castleford do it. And how have they become the

best of British? We will ask Darryl Powell the secret of their success.

St Helens used to be number one by 2017 has been a nightmare. We will

talk to three of their legends to find out what has gone wrong and how

they put it right. And we will have highlights from some of the sixth

round matches already played, including Hull who started their

defence against Catalan last night. We will get into all things

Challenge Cup in just a moment but first international rugby league,

with England's World Cup starting in the autumn. Their preparations began

last weekend when they took on Samoa.

This is a big, early chance for England. Tackle number four. Back

towards the posts. They probably could have done with more and they

get more. Second phase. Hobson, look out. Ryan Hall doesn't need much

instruction! He finds his way to the try line. That is an easy one. The

32nd of his test career. Now Hodgson. For Gale. This is a big

moment for Stefan Ratchford. He scores a try in his England jumper

proudly worn. Stefan Ratchford goes over. Wigan born, over 200 games,

and a try for England. This is their best chance to bring the crowd back

into the contest. Slow playing the ball. Trying the power play and

direct and he scored! And as he did for Samoa in 2013, he has got

something going here. Now Laughlin unloading. Back to

Brown. What a pass. To Gale. What the finish. The referee collided

with a cover for Samoa. Hodgson has scored! England have their third

try. They looked anxious. They lose all shape here. They all want to

have a crack. They are trying their hearts out but it is not all that

smart. He runs around Gale to score! Last tackle. England clearing

wreckage. For which to James Graham. -- forward to James Graham. They are

going to say try to James Graham. Brown has thrown it to James Graham

to basically fall over the try line. If England was to score in the final

minute, that would be some tasty icing on the cake. Hill with the

ball. They are looking a bit dispirited, the Samoans. Heads down

on the bench. Gale with the ball. Brown is going to get. And he does

know how to score! Just like the first try that went to the left

wing, the last one goes to the right wing. MacGillivray scores and the

icing is most definitely on the cake now. Kevin, what should we take out

of that win and that performance from an English perspective? I just

think we should be massively positive. Only a few months out from

the World Cup now. We should not underestimate how tough challenge

that was for the English blokes to go out there in under a week and

play against a full Samoa side, who are big, powerful and physical.

Horrible out there. But they did a terrific job. Our performance was

talk and cheese from the for nations. They looked composed. I

don't think it was a good performance from anybody, so a

massive tick. What have the guys that you have spoken to about that

performance fed back to you? They have said the full week was positive

and as Kevin touched on, we look good for it and solid for the win.

Samoa are tough side and we looked dominant for the full 80 minutes and

that is what we have lacked in internationals before. We have

dominated and played well for 60 or 70 minutes and then lacked

composure. But against Samoa, we looked in control for the full 80

and things clicked and it couldn't have been better prep. I can't

remember a better England performance on foreign soil. I would

have to go right back until that Great Britain side in 2006 which got

that win. I think it is right up there with that one. Wow. I agree

with the boys on the positivity. I studied the Samoan team and I

thought they had a game on their hands. To travel 30,000 miles and

pull of that kind of performance shows an element of composure and

patients going on. To put the cold on these two, my worry is... That is

why we employ you, Brian, to dampen down the broadcasters! Being healthy

at the end of the year and being fresh is very important when it

comes to the World Cup. My worry was in the middle of the season when we

have two weekend blocks on where players are playing in the Super

League in a four day period, with mental pressures that puts on you,

it is difficult and challenging. For example we had three people pull out

and some people were not available through injury in the R.N. L. The

final line-up might be the same but the essence of the squad will have

been given more discipline in terms of moving forward and what Wayne

expect in the World Cup. As an exercise, I probably got something

is wrong, and it was worthwhile. Knowing how they performed and how

they did, that has actually got rid of your doubts. Not entirely. I

think you have got to pick inform players at the end of the season,

players who are mentally fresh. And we won't know how it has affected

them in the long term. Another double-digit weekend. I am an

unbelievable fan of international football and the England team and

they are doing well and it is positive. If two brays like this are

telling me there are positive noises, they played some good stuff,

then it has got to be worthwhile and I will take it on the chin but I

just hope they recognise it by not be the final line because there are

lots of good players when you pick an England team and form and help is

essential. Hashtag BBCRL if you want to get in touch. This will form a

big part of our discussion from 4:30pm on the red button. You are

one of the players missing at the moment. How are you and what is the

latest? I am coming on pretty well. I had the metalwork in my foot a few

weeks ago and since that has gone I am running more freely. I have been

running all week. About one month off now. I did want to push it.

Having to hold back. It must be quite hard because it is a World Cup

year. And the competition for places is fierce. That in patients must be

hard for you to control, is it? Definitely. -- that impatience must

be hard for you to control. I want to put on that jersey like I have

done many times before. That is at the front of my mind when I am in

training having a tough day, or in rehab doing things I don't want to

be doing, at the end of the year I want to do everything I can and at

the end of the season though I did everything I could to get my place.

We have asked Brian and Sam to pick their squads for the opening game of

the World Cup, so we will find out later whether Sam has put himself in

the squad. In the starting 13 maybe for that first game of the World

Cup! We can bring our attention back to the Challenge Cup, Castle but

against St Helens is the game we are at which kicks off at 2:30pm. But

games have been played so far. Let's round up the best of the action.

Round 6 kicked off on Thursday night as Bellaston hosted Halifax. Heaton

put Halifax ahead but the lead only lasted four minutes at Keele Carlyle

spun out of a tackle to set up Davis. A brilliant finish from Scott

Turner and then Anthony Thackery's drop goal gave the hosts a 7-point

lead. Turner cleverly put the ball in the corner for his second try.

Zachary kicked his second drop goal of the night before Josh

Hardcastle's try Hull opened this one with a free-flowing move. Then

this combination set up Griffin. The odds and Scott Taylor all went over

this great work from Watts and Kelly. There was a 28 point lead at

the break. Michaels dived over acrobatically in the corner for his

third try. And collected short pass gave this player his second try in

Hull colours. Thompson went over. Sean scored two late tries on his

100th career appearance. And Connor grabbed a try to complete the round.

This was the most Matic moment of last season, the million pounds drop

goal that sent Hull Kingston Rovers down at the expense of Salford. The

men from East Yorkshire had revenge on their minds last night and there

couldn't have made a better start. Sean Howden from 60 metres after a

scrum and followed that up by racing through unchallenged from ten metres

to help the visitors opened up a 12 point lead. Ryan Allen went over

just as the half-time was coming to close to reduce the deficit to eight

points. Salford made a dream start after the break and the lead as they

ran in under the posts, then followed by crisp riding going down

the short side to score. Criswell and then knocked down a high kick to

secure the victory was offered. -- to secure the victory for Salford.

Confirmation of who has gone through so far. Wakefield thrashed Dewsbury

last night as well. Those are the size through to the next round. Over

this weekend, the games that you will be across involved cattle herd

Wigan -- Castlford and Wigan. Now let's put this game into context for

you as regards the Super League table. Castleford top, scoring tries

for fun. Saints have not had a great season. They are mid table and

fighting to qualify for the super eight. Now the team news for today's

gain from Tanya. Castleford boast the two leading try scorer is in the

Super League. They line up like this, with Zak Hardaker starting at

full-back and playing in the centre for England. Jake Webster in the

centre is fresh from signing a new one year deal. The big team news for

Castleford is Tom Holmes starting alongside Luke Gale in the halves.

Upfront, the evergreen Andy Lynch, their oldest player in the Super

League, playing up front alongside MacShane. And look at the Jesse

Sene-Lefao. There is no place in the 17 for Rangi Chase. As for St

Helens, they welcome back Mark Percival and add a Montaly who

travelled to Australia but did not play for England. -- ad while Alex

Walmsley. James Roby is starting at hooker.

They have captain Jon Wilkin on the bench. He pulled out at the last

minute in last week's warm up and he is hoping to start the game today

but he is heavily strapped up. Thank you very much, Tanya. Jon

Wilkin leading things out for their warm up. We have shown you where

they are in the table. Not a good season for them. There is a new head

coach on the way as well. Our rugby league correspondent has been trying

to find out what the problems are at the club.

For 24 years there has been a constant around these parts. He grew

up at the club in its most successful period. He came to define

what the shirt was all about. Canning! -- Kieran Cunningham. When

he was appointed head coach at St Helens in 2014 he seemed the obvious

choice to take the club back to glory, carved in his own image. But

a month ago the hometown hero was sacked. So what has gone wrong and

how can St Helens get back to those glory days? When you first walked

into that dressing room, were you told this is how we play at St

Helens? I was told that we win and they expect nothing less. I joined

Saints because of what we did on the field because of the players that

were there. They were a successful club and I wanted to be part of

that. One thing when I came to St Helens was that my skill had to be

the best it could be because of the people in the squad. The people in

the squad had high standards for my skill. I had to improve or I was

gone and I think we need to get back to that. This seems at the moment

seem to have gone along with quite a few clubs in the game, so that the

game appears programmed from the first minute to the last. Almost the

situation whereby we have lines drawn on a pitch and you stand there

and you run there and in the 25th minute you take the bullpen. -- you

take the ball then. Is a starter missing from the squad? Some of the

Australians that I have played with at St Helens, whether we can still

attract those players with the budgets that we have and the salary

caps? I think the game has changed in that respect. Teams are having to

bring players through. Ready or not. At the moment there is myself and

James Roby and Matty Smith who have been to Wembley with Wigan but are

not a lot of the other lads have had that connection with the cup and I

think we need more winners. Either we win this trophy this year or we

recruit more winners in. I think that is fundamental to improving

standards. I think they need some more additions. A footballer, a

ball-handling forward of the old-fashioned type, and I would also

say in the back division as well, somebody with pace. There is talent

there. Don't write them off. If they want, they can play rugby. The new

coach. Will you have spoken with him or has anybody before Saturday? I

think we have had some feedback indirectly. I think he is going to

be a huge part of turning this club around. We are looking forward to

having a new set of eyes on us because that is so powerful. When

you are insular all the time it is very difficult to learn. This club

is ready to look out and see what else is going on and bring the eyes

from outside the club. Just be aware of the success of the club, just be

aware of what the town is about. And the history of the way the game has

been played in St Helens. If you got the chance to meet Justin Holbrook

before he met the players, what would your advice be? Get rid of the

diagrams. Simple as that. Play rugby. There are about 20 different

themes that come out of that peace that we could discuss and debate and

it would take is about an hour if not longer. The balance between

being programmed and just playing rugby. Is it a fine balance? Yes,

really fine balance. Different teams use it in different ways. Saints are

known for it. They throw the ball around historically. They score some

brilliant tries. Recently we have not seen as much as that from them.

Whether the new coach who comes in will recapture that for Saints, I'm

not sure. It seems like that is what worked for them for a long time. As

far as the new coach is concerned, do you agree with Jon Wilkin that

they need a fresh verified? Somebody from outside of Super League,

outside the country, seeing what they are doing and how they are

operating? -- do they need a fresh pair of eyes? We need someone with

inside for the game. We saw Paul talking about the standard of

overseas players not being what it was ten years ago or five years ago

for Saints. And insight from the club as well, suggesting they are

not getting it right for the fans. It is inside with purpose and they

have done that. They have gone from Justin Holbrook from Australia who

will change the dynamics. There is nothing wrong with playing football

with purpose. If you have an idea behind what you are doing... We are

at the Jungle today and they play a great brand of rugby league but it

has purpose and people fail to see that. It is the principle is that go

on. The fly drives and the kick, if it is more expensive, there are

risks and rewards that come with every type of football. If you're

prepared to throw the ball around then you have got to be prepared to

bend your backs. It is interesting that Castleford bending their backs

this year as well. The defence on top of their willingness to play

good football. I wonder if it comes down to the basic fact that sport is

cyclical and nobody can stay on top for ever. There is no example in

history of anybody staying on top forever. Even the Wigan side

eventually disappeared in a Challenge Cup. Manchester United in

the Premier League, whatever, it is cyclical. Very much so. Saints are

very good cup team. It is not very long ago that you look at

Scunthorpe, Cunningham, Martin, and you can reel out a list of names

that were fantastic at football and throwing the ball about and asking

questions. You started this question with balance. And they need to get

the balance right between structure and playing. You know when you have

those club legends, and you will have seen it, the next couple of

generations below will miss out because there are so many legends

who continue to win. You have got to wait for the kids to come through to

take on the mantle, don't you? There is always a transition phase. Leeds

a few years ago, when there were people like Kevin, JP, they were

going through that. When you lose three people like them out of your

team, it is massive. A big year for Leeds to get young lads in. It

wasn't great for them. The amount of experience young lads will have got

that leaves will put them in good stead in a few years' time. -- at

Leeds. I remember being at Wigan and we didn't get to the Grand Final and

we lost at the semifinal and their year later we had fresh eyes on the

team. We went on to win the league. Saints are not flying at the moment

but it is not as though they are millions of miles away. What would

you look like in your squad at club level in terms of balance? James

Roby has a Challenge Cup in his history. What do you look for in a

balanced squad? I will put something else into the mixture, staying

healthy. It is massively important. If you look at the top squads at

both teams, it is good but it is who manages the help of the teams and

looks after the players. I answer it in a different way. They have been

healthy all season long and that is a huge advantage. Let's hear from

one of the interim head coach is here at St Helens. It has been a

tough season for you so far. Are you scratching your head is that what

has gone wrong this year? It has been up and down. We know what we

can do to get better. There is uncertainty of the field with a head

coach coming in in the next few weeks. We are trying to steer the

ship as straight as we can and play the best we can with what we have

got at hand. We have seen signs of improvement. We have been

inconsistent which has been our problem all year but there has been

good stuff in there. We have got to get more good stuff out and less bad

stuff. How much talk has been going on between the coaching guys and

Justin Holbrook this week? Has he had any input today? He has let us

get on with it but it is difficult for him. He is being very supportive

of myself and Sean and Derek. He has been on the phone a few times this

week and given us advice here and there. He has been conscious of

letting us get on with the job and making sure the players are fine

today. Let's get an idea of how St Helens will play today. Our man on

the touchline will talk us through their game plan.

St Helens haven't started this season with the same as they would

expect from themselves. But one player has been outstanding,

literally head and shoulders above the rest of them, is this man here,

Alex Walmsley. A big man, a big frame, and while I have his

attention, quick question. How important is it today that you

control the speed of the rugby and the middle of the park? It is

important. We have seen all year has Castleford like to play. It is a big

job for us to control that and give ourselves a good chance of defence.

How has the team trained for the game this weekend? Motivation has

been easy this week. It is a cup game and we have been off all week.

It has been easy and we are looking forward to the game. We are looking

forward to putting in a good performance and getting through

hopefully. Good luck for today. A big man. When he carries the ball,

he splits the defence. Keep an eye on him when he tries to get in

behind the rug because he will be one of two things, split the defence

or get a quick play of the ball, which is hugely important to St

Helens. They need to go with him today. If they do play well

consistently, together, they have the stroke power within the team to

cause Castleford at the top of the Super League a lot of trouble. you

can do all the analysis you want but sometimes we just want to watch

tries and Castleford this season have scored lots and lots of them.

Grab a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy.

they are classy and they are the great entertainers this season in

Super League. If you take a look at the Super League tries table, they

are on 83, nearly double the number that St Helens have scored and

nearly 30 ahead of their nearest rivals, Leeds. Are they going to

just throw the ball around and score lots of tries today, here's Robbie

again? When we talk about the Castleford Tigers team, normally the

those we talk about other world-class halves in their squad,

they are amazing, the talent they have. The guy that I want to focus

on at this point in time is this man here, Junior Moore 's. He goes under

the radar a little bit because we focus on the world-class halves they

have but when he's got the ball in motion, he causes the opposition in

problem. Good luck for today but just quickly, I just want to know,

he has the team prepared for this weekend? Easy motivation for us.

Fresh in our memory. How important is to have a good cup run because

you going so in the league? It takes one game at a time. It takes that

and we will take each game as it comes. When this guy is carrying the

ball, he splits teams, Castleford went to get him into one-on-one

position so they can play off the back of the quick play-the-balls.

In all the praise of Castleford, Saints have beaten them this season.

With it being the cup and hopefully Saints come here with freedom.

Everybody had written them off this week. Take the shackles of fun,

play. Throw some stuff on the pitch. Castleford are dangerous but

brilliant players there. For all the Castleford do score lots of tries,

they have also got the meanest defence. That has been the biggest

improvement for Castleford, they have always been able to score a lot

of tries. The Kameni Luke Dorn has scored. Not a problem when you play

at the Jungle. This year, the defence has looked up to dear and

that's why they are worthy art. You are on top, Wigan, when you played

in first half and you couldn't break them down. They have a good

defensive system and strong with it. The pressure for Castleford is to

keep it up and not get carried away. Scored ATD tries but but they will

soon dip. They are on the field throwing the ball around. That's not

bad. I wish we could find more of that. Do you need me as your

assistant? They throw a lot of shape at you and Sam has mentioned

something that's usually important at this ground. They are prepared to

run and pass. Castleford Tigers lot of good athletes and the support

play is superb. Anybody that makes half a break generally supported by

three or four players but they play good ships. We talked about purpose

and process but they get to a certain part of the field and throw

a lot of numbers at you, lots of players behind the line and they

have the imagination to look up and click to see who is in space. They

are the full package and that's because in this ground in particular

they can play to the fringes because they are always in attacking

positions. You have to hold your nerve. Saints's biggest challenge

against this progress and support play, expansive football, all the

front rowers have the ability to pass at the right time and you have

people and the halves who go on the line and commit defenders and make

pass play. You have to expect everything. You've got to manage

this game if you are Saints because they go into spurts of tries as

well, they score and a score again, so if you concede once you have to

galvanise to what you do for the next five minutes. Unbeaten year

this season, averaging over 50 points. You mentioned the pitch is

short, we did a Challenge Cup game here when they played Salford and we

discussed this. You will have they do, do you have to alter your game

slightly because it is a shorter pitch? You have to prepared to

defend your online quite a lot and play a lot of attacking rugby. For

the figures it's easier to get out your own end. You don't spend a lot

of time in yardage and if you got a decent kicker like both sides have,

you put your foot through it on the other end of the field. It's

different preparation, it does change. This year for the man who

was responsible for turning Castleford into these great

entertainers. Their head coach Daryl Powell.

Your players are playing so well particularly here at home, did you

get to sit back and enjoy the style with which they play. You are always

thinking games can turn so quickly, so unless you get a really big lead,

you just do your job. I enjoy watching the guys play. A little bit

more than they have too. We have been playing with a lot of

confidence and hopefully we can back that up. What has been the

difference from last season. They played great attacking stuff. What

has been the difference this season? A bit more of a cutting-edge. We

have played well for quite a few years, defensively we've been so

much better this year and we've been able to back up our errors by

defending well. We had the desperation to keep teams out, so

that's been the biggest difference. The counterattacking game has been

growing and maturing in the last few years and this year we've had some

games where we've really been outstanding. Today will be a tough

game. They will be different. Whether we can impart that game on

St Helens, they will be desperate for it today. Should be special. How

do you feel with how the club have developed since you made the

Challenge Cup final in 2014? It's been significant. When I first came

in 2013, people were saying to me why would you take that poisoned

chalice of a job for stuff for me it was the ideal job, you could see the

development, this is a rugby town are known -- bar none, died in the

wool, Castleford. The town has grown in terms of its love for Castleford

and our ability to play rugby league has announced all of that. The

business has gone well with the people behind the scenes. We are

growing every year which is positive for us. Three players off with

England, Luke Gale seems to have cemented his place at number seven

for England. I have you developed him as a player since he came in

because he is in charge now? He's a typical half-backs. Got a lot of

confidence about him. Got the skill set to be able to play at

half-backs. Got the voice. The booming voice, he is confident in

his own ability. He's developed in all sorts of ways, his patience is

much better nowadays than when he first came. He has fitted in and

grabbed hold of the way we play and he is a pivotal part but there are

many other people in there as well doing a fantastic job. He is the

controller and she found us a special job for us in that regard.

What a job he has done. He's been some. The man of steel today, his

combination with Zach Hardaker was always interesting for me to see how

they would get on but they have hit it off and they've been incredible.

I'd like to mention. He's a schema, an old-fashioned style dummy half

but he gets the best set of Luke Gale and knows when to give him the

ball. The head to head for Luke Gale and Patti Smith. We can have a look

at the stats which shows what a great season Luke Gale has had. You

know Matty Smith, he was at Wigan, no one seems, are you surprised he

has struggled a bit this season. The form of St Helens, down to Matty

Smith, on his day he is one of the best in the country and he's playing

internationally to prove it. Both these lads have a similar role, they

gave the team and they kick which is a huge part of the game when you

play here. Watching Luke Gale play internationals, he has to get one

over him today. Bluegill is playing in a confident team, the support

game becomes easier, the kicking becomes easier and with the

challenge Saints have got the third form Matty Smith has to dig deep and

find a lot of players. They have had some injuries in and around there.

Tough season for Matty Smith. A couple of the wingers that we will

watch this afternoon. Reagan Grace, the young lad on the wing for St

Helens. 15 tries. He has not played that many games and he has already

got plus 18 tackles. He has bounced onto the scene. Came over to the DW

Stadium, his first game, nobody knew anything of him. Didn't do any

preparation on him. He was on-farm. Ran 200 metres and we knew nothing

of him and he's a great product. It's exciting. Very much so, you're

looking at the back three for Castleford. You have Reagan Grace.

I'm looking forward to seeing him today. We are in rugby league

heartland on the BBC this afternoon. Castleford Tigers Saints in the

sixth round of the Challenge Cup. There it is, the Ladbrokes Challenge

Cup and the first game of what we hope will be a memorable tournament

across the BBC for you. Just a word on Castleford as we wait for the

team to promote, the town has a population of about 40,000, 10,000

and watch them here at the Jungle. You might call me a sentimental old

fool, but this is what British sport is about. Mark, you sentimental old

full, absolutely. A vote of the population in a community club. This

is the heartbeat of our game and its one of the clubs that have been

successful over the years with their community spirit and this particular

ground as well brings a brand of football that is recognise right

across the globe. The same for St Helens, right in the heart of the

community and the two clash this afternoon, so let's bring in our

commentary team, Jonathan Davies alongside the BBC's rugby league

correspondent, Dave Woods. COMMENTATOR: This is a game that had

simply can't wait stamped all over it from the moment the tie was

drawn. There is a real lip licking gobsmacking potential to this one.

It could be terrific today, it really cute. Castleford have been

running in tries for fun but don't write off St Helens because they

have already beating Castleford back on Easter Monday and they will have

a certain determination about them as well. Jon Wilkin will start the

day on the bench. The Castleford players, most if not all have scored

at least one of their 83 tries so far this season. Alex Walmsley at

the tall fellow who went all the way to Sydney and back without playing a

game, Mark Percival, his team-mate at the centre likewise. Run the

world in eight days and nothing to show but a suntan but I'm sure

they'll be hoping that they can reproduce their recent Super League

form again today in the Challenge Cup, the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. So

how do they line up? The Castleford side, three players on England duty

in Sydney last week, all Star today. Zach Hardaker, Luke Gale and Minikin

and 21-year-old Tom Holm stars only his second game of the season at

stand-off. Interesting selection with Roberts on the bench. The

winger Reagan Grace mixes six successive appearance.

Here is our referee for the day, Mr Phil Bentham. We have a video

referee as well, Robert Hicks and we will hear from them should the need

arise at any point. Mr Craven and Mr Roberts are the two touch judges and

Zach Hardaker is the man to get us under way. Both entertainers these

two teams by reputation. Castleford have lived up to all of that in

thrilling fashion all season long. Is today the time St Helens caulk

their fizz. Good time to do it, stage like this, cup competition.

This is the time and everybody in rugby league gets excited because

the realisation dawns on you, you win this round of 16, you are two

games away from a Wembley appearance and I'm certain there will be a

great spectacle on show with that goal in sight. Great place to play,

great atmosphere. You know what Castleford will bring and they play

with a lot of confidence. As a St Helens player you have to close them

down, disrupt them on the kick and chase has to be good and you can try

and blame them. What a kick and chase that was. The referee decided

there was no Castleford Tigers show a bit of enterprise from St Helens

with that kick. Castleford a little bit cautious but they have got away

with it. Great kick, kicked short or Zach Hardaker into the space and

reading by St Helens. It's certainly a good place to turnover was that

you have a set defensive of so they can really get off the line and put

some pressure on the Castleford ball-carriers. Greg Eden on the

first occasion trying to burst things through and St Helens are

caught of side and they don't want to give too many penalties are

winnable seat Castleford inside the St Helens half. Line speed is very

important, you can't give simple penalties away. This is the first

real attacking opportunity for Castleford. It's a really colourful

occasion looking down there. The white and red St Helens, the gold

and black of Castleford. It's noisy as well and it will get noisier as

the day goes on. McShane at dummy half. Andy Lynch will roll it

forward. 20 metres away. Great position that Castleford find

themselves in. Holmes puts it back. Hardaker, left of Shenton. Good

defence from St Helens. But Castleford are moving in. Lynch has

to take it in hard. Plenty of fight about him, all this fancy dan stuff,

they have plenty of grip. Gale with the pass away and grabbing at thin

air as Shenton goes on to score the game's first try with barely three

minutes played. Absolutely clinical from the Castleford Tigers. Really

top-quality work as Jonathan Davies said, penalty, you give away the

penalty, you concede field position, you could Castleford in great

attacking shape and my word they have taken full advantage. You can

see there, offside at the play-the-ball, trying to cut down

the Castleford ball-carriers's time and space but what a well executed

play. Luke Gale perfectly just a lie at the centre, Michael Shenton, to

get on the outside of the St Helens defence. Superb. Outside Morgan and

that is the gap he goes through other great try. After a very good

defensive set from a good play by Castleford, Morgan just showed

himself, he went early, caught himself in no man's land and the

pass on the outside shoulder just put Shenton end, had to stand off a

little bit and hold the line. As far as England are concerned, Michael

Shenton is the forgotten man of the moment. He played in the first test,

his last appearance in the first test against Samoa in the four

nations two years ago and has been overlooked since but the way he has

played this season. He is 31 later this year. I wonder if he might be

somebody who catches the eye before the World Cup squad is announced.

The kick, trying to fit in but has put it wide. It remains 4-0. Michael

Shenton, discuss. Certain he would be far away, when Bent and is clued

up, he knows he can play in the left-centre position as he

demonstrated so well with that bounce line in the last minute to

score of the outset of Morgan. What Brian Noble said at the end of the

year, when there is a big competition you need a big form

player and the way Castleford are playing, he's going to be in the

frame. An awful season last year when he was injured in the first

game, Michael Shenton but what a year he's having this year. That's

his sixth try in his 12th appearance. St Helens, what have

they got, looking for a big response in defence on this tiny pitch,

looking to keep Castleford deep inside their own half and making a

decent fist of it with the opening three tackles. Millington put down.

Less than 15 away. McShane goes left. Milner steps.

Good effort so far, the one picked up from McShane. The off-load sees

Castleford continue. Back to Gale, big boot from him. Beneath it it is

caught safely by Makinson and St Helens can give themselves a pat on

the back. As Sam Tomkins indicated in the build-up to the game, even

though they restricted Castleford's ball-carriers there was a kid and St

Helens started their set within ten metres of the goal-line. As a

kicker, you enjoy coming here,. The crowd is on top of you. Small field.

Percival running into the gap and he's intercepted. Tom Holmes Hazard.

Hardaker now. -- has it back. That's a shame because they stripped

Castleford, got on the outside, good work by Holmes, the young half-backs

caught between the ball carrier and support player and picked off the

pass. May concern is holding his chest, he might have injured

himself. -- Makinson. Here's Lynch. The next will be the

last year for Castleford in this set. Steepling high. Pushed out of

the way. You can't do that. That's clueless, what is running through

his head? It was blatant to everybody in the ground. Just pushes

him. Hang on, case for the defence, might be a collision with Morgan,

might have been his own man. Not as obvious. Whoever is underneath the

ball and going to catch it, they tend to look after them. They

certainly do and rightly so. Like the goalkeepers in football, can't

touch them any more. Seven minutes play, one tries so far. St Helens

looking for a response but having to start from deep but in reality, that

far away from the line because of the proportions here. Roby and at

dummy half, has got some eagerness to his left, will run himself for a

while and Smith gets us on to Fages. Asking a lot, Mach Douglas

was expecting that, the bowl is built and Castleford switching the

on button and looking to attack. The one thing you have to do is complete

your sets. You can spill the ball and the previous two sense they have

given the ball away and given Castleford good field position to

start. Millington. Cast your memory back to last year in the Challenge

Cup tie be covered against Salford, Millington was playing in the

halves. With Paul McShane. The off-load has gone to ground, zero

tackle and Castleford get it back again. Morgan who neutralises the

situation. He then feed for Castleford. The Saints are under the

cosh at the minute. Possession and territory going against them and

play the ball coming to make the tackle. Ricocheted off the hand. Got

to be patient. You're not trying to score every time you go wide. Staff

Castleford of possession. -- star of Castleford of possession.

Sean Long makes up the trio looking after Castleford before Justin

Holbrook takes over. Ten away. Ripple of and has the Castleford

fans. Morgan got a hand on it and knocked it forward. Almost got the

intercept. You lament you can see his reading defensively is correct

-- you can see. Needed to do something because once again they

created numbers on the outside. Shut out of the line and they wanted to

Rio bowl in but at least he diffused the attacking situation from

Castleford. If he doesn't get that ball it is try time. They are asking

questions of the right-hand side. Have a look at the position in the

early stages but first ten minutes, 64% possession and 72% territory.

Enjoying a little bit more of both now. Five tackles for Castleford. To

unpick the St Helens door. Driven in by Lynch. St Helens defending on

their own line. Holmes, look at the numbers. Webster. It almost seems

too easy. Jake Webster walking through. Congratulations to the man

who created it. Didn't get the numbers right defensively. It was a

simple play, just got the numbers wrong on they waltzed through. They

have to communicate, pool defenders when they are short. Such an easy

walk for Webster. The play-the-ball as you rightly state, that was at

the post, so you expect a split. Really it was man on man and when

its man on man, four against four with such space, there's bound to be

some problems on your own line. There is the error by Morgan. Chills

to come out of the line to close it. These are the numbers. Four against

four. Some ship from Castleford, so difficult to defend when its man on

man at slip when you're on your online and there's so much space.

Make hay while the sun shines. You have to have questions from the

defence. As a St Helens supporter and coach, you would expect the to

drop off and block the runner. You suspect Justin Holbrook is watching

this and there will be smoke coming from his pencil in the first ten

minutes. Possession, territory and on the scoreboard. Luke Gale looking

to take Castleford into double figures, which he does with relative

ease. 10-0. Webster the try scorer. Seventh of the year. Looking a bit

nonplussed at the moment. They will be because it's been a barrage of

pressure and that man is so important to St Helens. One of the

senior players, out on the field and has two lead from the front. My

word, there are questions being asked of this St Helens team

already. Have had no possession and Northern Territory, have they?

Talking about English centres, Jake Webster is a British citizen these

days. Former Kiwi International, so they might not go with him. This is

McShane. Millington again. Jonathan, you write saying they have had no

possession. Made four errors already. Exactly. You just can't

spill the ball over. In a cup game, keep possession. Field position,

staff Castleford, especially when you know they are on fire.

Gale's kick, which grace will pick up. He is a superstar in the making.

He is a superstar. They know the field so well. They are constantly

making St Helens start in their own centre zone. Davis is definitely

looking forward to that one tomorrow! The only fixture he can go

to without anybody abusing him! Warrington and Widnes fans actually

quite like him! Percival trying to keep it alive. At least money back

on the gamble but it didn't quite come off or go wrong. Look at this,

the path on the inside. Looking to attack deep inside their own half.

The transition from defence into attack of Castleford is the best in

the league without a shadow of a doubt. As soon as they have sold

their defensive problems, the foot goes down and they try to attack

immediately. They put it through their hands. It is very simple but

very effective. Near the halfway line, it makes it very easy for

Gale. There is a vibrancy and verve about Castleford at the moment.

Milliken has got to come inside -- Greg Minikin. Suddenly St Helens

have a bit of relief. There is a new role, brought into Super League and

the Challenge Cup. If you catch the ball inside your own in-goal area,

you get seven tackles. On a full pitch like this, inevitably it means

St Helens will have good attacking options later. It is a good change

because the kicking has got to be precise now. Alex Walmsley is doing

well. Many of us were surprised he wasn't in the England 17 last week.

St Helens looking to build foundations here. They have a couple

of plays still to go with 15 yards to cover. Morgan. He will be held at

right there. Last play for St Helens. Best attacking position they

have been in for a while. Matty Smith, keeper extraordinaire. He

tries to measure it and does well but it bounces awkwardly. Referee

says play on. James Roby tries to make the tackle. You can see the

benefit of that tackle that. Ask the question on the right and then a

good kick. Tried to land it on Tom Holmes, one of the smallest

Castleford players, landing at right on his head. Challenging for the

ball. He has gone under the radar this year, hasn't he, Milner? The

enthusiasm man for Castleford but he is a man that leads the defensive

line, believe you me. I kick again from Gale, into the

corner. Putting it right there. Grace, what have you got? This is a

dart and a dive and he gets back to safety. Well done, the young winger.

They all look so comfortable. The ball has been stolen by Millington

who touches down! Pockets picked but not confirmed as a score yet.

Referee is going for the big screen. Were there too many in the tackle?

You think there might have been but we will get it definitively from the

video referee. OK. The decision is no try. We are checking whether the

ball is stolen two on one. In goes personal. Milner comes into the

attacker. -- in goes Mark Percival. Is Milner still holding? That

becomes a new tackle. The ball is stolen by Millington there. Have we

got another angle from the other side to see if any player is on him

when the ball is stolen? The line decision is no try. We are into a

new tackle and that is play on. Incomes Millington. He appears to

start to steal the ball. Jesse Sene-Lefao's arm is on him when the

ball comes out, so there would be two men in the tackle, so the

decision of no try would be correct. I am going to confirm the line

decision of no try. Penalty. That is such a lucky call for St Helens. The

hand came in, he lost the ball. A loose carry. That is so lucky for St

Helens. I think Daryl Powell's face says it all. I think it is the right

decision but only just. Instead of conceding potentially six points, St

Helens have got the penalty to clear the lines and remain at only ten. A

chance to rebuild again here. Mark Percival. James Roby. James Roby has

regained it this season. On the injury bench. Back on the inside.

James Roby goes left. Alex Walmsley with him once again. Trying to

wrestle the path clear. He needed a machete to get through those

Castleford players. Better from things. Smith. Alex Walmsley again.

No Swift pass. Throwing his body at the situation. Down he goes. Matty

Smith again. Again the cake. Again looking to measure it. Eden goes up

and in midair Morgan catches that ball away from the Castleford man.

No questions this time and St Helens have got their score. An referee

decisions, it is allowed try at one end -- an referee decisions, a

disallowed try at one end and now four points for them. There is

nothing in that. Very lucky. St Helens have not looked very

dangerous. Beautiful kick, well timed, that is try, simple as. An

excellent kick. Matty Smith really does put it on a sixpence. And I

like Morgan's attempt. He times it very well. Outstretched arms and a

good try. He didn't just jumped very high. He got in front, the winger,

and he brought it down. They haven't had any opportunities, going against

the run of play. But once they have got there, once the ball goes up and

it is competitive and to compete for it, anything can happen.

Mark Percival looking to narrow the gap to just four.

Plenty of expectation all around the Jungle as Mark Percival just puts it

wide. It remains 10-4. Disappointment in the eyes of the

Castleford players. Danny absolutely ripping into the Castleford players,

telling them to keep their eyes on the job. -- Daryl Powell ripping

into the players. He is making sure they are focused on the job at hand.

The coach is not happy. His assistant beside him. Robins of

discontent all around the stadium but St Helens fans will be

encouraged by what they have seen in the last three minutes. They will be

encouraged by that play but not by the fact that Ben Roberts has

entered the fray. He has swapped with Tom Holmes. He will be playing

with pivotal spot and he is a handful. We watch out for his left

foot, Ben Roberts, with his kicking game. Can Matty Smith unlock

Castleford's defence? Roberts will be similar. 40 metres out. Last play

here. Matty Smith again. Zak Hardaker. I is on the job. Simple

take. What comes next? The chase from things is good and very close

to the line. Castleford fans want a penalty for hanging on. His arm was

swinging. They have worked their way back into the game, St Helens. They

have caught them out, gaining field position and this is more like the

cup tie that we expected. They have got to keep them coming from deep.

Making Castleford work. Slightly different in their own 20 metre

area. The off-load came with a little one back towards Ben Roberts.

Gale with a kick, looking for a bit of territory here. A wonderful kick.

St Helens have got a job to do again. And it is being done superbly

well here. Wonderful break from Tom Makinson from behind his own life.

He is still going here, all the way to the halfway. What a recovery run

that was. And a penalty. As John said, they have certainly pulled

themselves back into this game. Holding possession, getting

position. That was a magnificent piece of individual play from Tom

Makinson. First of all the magnificent carry up to the halfway

line. Then urgency to bring the ball back into play, the quick play of

the ball, resulting in Castleford having a second effort. That one

play from behind their own line to 20 metres away from the Castleford

line. Great play. Matty Smith was barking out orders and instructions

to his team-mates before he kicked the ball out of play. They know what

comes next. A couple of settlers and then play as they try to drag

themselves back level. It is taken by Luke Douglas, the Scottish

international. What great formation they had last autumn. Matty Smith

again. Back into the hands of Tom Aikens -- Tom Makinson. Castleford's

defence has been much improved but this is the test. Can they withstand

the St Helens pressure? They try to take it in and create space. Roberts

all over him. Matty Smith back again. Thompson with an honest

effort. But only one play to go. A dummy! And very close, very, very

close. The referee? Does he think it is close enough question to be

asked? He does. Going to the video referee again. Again he says no try.

It is all about whether he hits the or not. Robert Hicks will give you

the answer. The line decision is no try. OK. Tackle. Looking to see if

the ball hits the line. Taia takes the ball. If we can go slow here?

Short. Dirty then go to the line with the ball? -- does he then go to

the line? That could be touching the line. In fact it is touching the

line. Can we take that replay back? It does hit the line. OK. Keep going

back. It has only got to touch the line. There we go. Go slowly now.

Does that ball then hit the line? The line decision is no try so I

need sufficient evidence to prove it has touched the line. The ball is

out of shot I haven't seen it hit the line yet. Have we any other

angle to show bit on the line? If you pause it there, that now is on

the line. Can I see it at full speed, please? Yes, please. I have

got to check now whether it is double movement so we have got to

see it at full speed. I am OK with that. I haven't got sufficient

evidence. The line decision is no try and I will go with a turnover.

I had a tape to say you can't argue with that decision. -- I hate to say

that you can't argue with that decision by Jonathan is poised. I

think the ball did touch the line, whether it is momentum or not. At

normal speed there is a bit of momentum there. I thought it was

either a try or a penalty to Castleford, one or the other. One or

the other, you are right. Saturday afternoon, watching rugby league and

arguing! I think if it was a try on the field, you would have given it.

That is how important the referee's call is on that occasion. Roberts

has entered the fray. And Junior Moors. Looking pretty strong. They

must be thinking that they have stolen momentum away from

Castleford. Put the big boys on. The kick is more than sufficient. Very

good. That is clever. That has taken this bit of a mentor that St Helens

had built. Rolling over the sideline, walking to the scrum,

getting oxygen in their lungs and composing themselves. Very clever

scrum. It shows how important it is to keep possession. Keep your

possession, finish the set, put pressure on the position and that is

what Saints have done. They haven't created a lot from the possession

but it has starved Castleford of being on the front foot. 12 times

Challenge Cup winners, St Helens. They haven't been in the final since

2008. Tough route to Wembley this year for them if they get there

because they have got to overcome the Castleford team. The last time

they played Castleford in the Challenge Cup was 1996 with a new

coach then, his first game in charge. They won the cup that year.

So that is important potentially. They have done all right here, St

Helens. Challenge Cup and Super League titles. Hunter Paul scored a

hat-trick at Wembley in 1996, didn't he? A couple of tackles to go for St

Helens. They are set fair, maybe. James Roby putting it to his right

and Amor. Amrit Karra is lost it will stop what it stolen? -- Kyle a

Amor lost it. Was it stolen? The referee says no. You can see that he

just lost control. That is what Saint have got to do. Stop the ball.

Bit of contention about whether Amor lost the ball. No contention here,

certainly. Mike McMeeken is looking to off-load and he just spills it.

Right decision. For everyone at Castleford, after ten minutes, they

were leading, and St Helens looked to be at sixes and sevens in defence

but it is a different cup tie now. Taken in by Morgan. John Keogh got

his Welsh debut for him. Creeping closer, St Helens. 13

minutes of the first half remaining. James Roby goes left. Step back by

Mark Percival. A couple of tackles still to go. St Helens less than ten

away. Matty Smith across the line. Amor, setting the platform for the

last play in the set. James Roby out of dummy half. Mark Percival trying

to crash over. Castleford in numbers. That was clever what

Castleford did, controlling the ball of the St Helens players. They were

happy to back their strength and their control to get that ten

metres. Not a bad place to finish. Some consolation for St Helens. It

leaves Castleford with a big job of getting downfield. Lost it, lost it.

St Helens have got it back again. The mistakes are being made by St

Helens in the start of the game. But a lot of the players have been

playing in the Castleford half now. The St Helens defence, they are

getting some numbers in the tackle, cutting down the space with the line

speed. Pretty good defence by Saint and they are earning these errors.

Kyle Amor has taken the ball right up the middle. He will be much

happier now. John Lowe was a three-time winner, so plenty of

Challenge Cup final pedigree. -- Sean Long. McCarthy-Scarsbrook will

get death penalty for the contact made on him. -- get a penalty. We

carried on regardless but the referee said it was not fair. Four

penalties conceded by Castleford but none by St Helens. That has changed

the momentum, it really has. James Roby, five attempts to have a really

big go on this Castleford line. But that is the Castleford response.

Great defence. Leading by example. Thompson looks to take it back from

worried game. Listen to the roaring from behind the sticks from the

Castleford fans, urging their side's defensive effort on. Taia, big and

strong, but Castleford players clambering all over him and pulling

him down. James Roby goes back to the middle. Matty Smith. Thompson.

Another thunderous hit. They are getting shoulders in the way of

things. The Castleford defenders. The last play. Matty Smith with a

kick again. Isolation for the winger there. And all he can do is catch

it. I think he caught it on the fall in his own area. The referee is

checking this. A big decision. I think it is a penalty. Yes, penalty.

Matty Smith will be disappointed. All the pressure was on. It is an

easy take. The referee has got it exactly right, just as you called

it. Everybody has been talking about how great Castleford are with the

ball in their hands. Daryl Powell will have enjoyed those last bits as

much as anything because they were in control defensively. If Swift had

held off, he would have pushed him into the area. I think on those

kicks, you have got to try and score. Nathan Massey is one of the

honest labourers. We have got a cup tie now! Junior Moors rumbling

forward. McShane. Gale. Zak Hardaker getting involved. Eight and a bit

minutes still to play. Nathan Massey running in hard. Already up to the

last. What are they trying to create here? Back with Roberts. A left

footed kick. And with the cat and nobody can stop him what he has got

his ball in his hands and Webster gets his second of the afternoon.

The precision of the boot of Ben Roberts. Determination in the air

from Jake Webster, meaning another Castleford try. We talked about

Roberts kicking and I think that is what was meant with the previous

one. Give him a bit more time in the hour. It allows Chase to time his

challenge. There is the penalty. And it is rightly a penalty. Swift

challenge. This one is lofted that bit higher. As it is higher, Webster

holds off, then accelerates, takes the ball and it is four points. When

it is a flatter kick, it is easier for the defence to gather it. On

this occasion, he can run and attack it. If it is hanging, it is very

difficult for the defender to jump. He has got to wait and wait. Just

watch. He is not sure. Because he is running towards it, it is easier for

the attacker. That is what you have got to do. On those occasions, the

kick is to score the try. I love it when you prove me wrong! I didn't

say anything! I will get you after. 14-4. 16? Never in doubt. Never in

doubt. Two out of three. 16-4. How do St Helens react now? Jon Wilkin

is on the field. How do they react? In a positive manner because they

scrapped their way back into the game. This isn't supposed to be

easy. There is a big prize at the end of it. Castleford look far more

threatening in attack. They have got to bring Tom Makinson, Swift and

Grace back into the attack somehow. The only weapon they have is the

kick. Castleford look so dangerous. Good defence by Mark Percival.

Nathan Massey. They are going wide again. Going wide again. What about

that pick up from Eden? He is away now and he looks for support with a

dummy. Great cover tackle. Absolutely vital tackle from James

Roby. Hangs on as long as he can. Here comes the flood, the tide,

washing up against the sea wall of St Helens as Webster is held up with

one tackle to go. But Shane goes right. Dummy, twist, turn, over the

line and touches down! Not the prettiest try you will ever see in

the end, that there was plenty to admire in the build-up. And never

mind the finish. Heal the force of the celebration from the Castleford

fans again. -- feel the force of the celebration. There is no other team

in Super League capable of scoring back-to-back tries. They have just

scored one so what do they do? They look to how may you and they look to

score once again. That is exactly what they did. Superb play. What

skill from Greg Eden. He picked that up from his bootlaces. What do you

do to get back in the team? What James Roby does. Work hard and

tackle well. Then a shift once again. This is when Kevin indicated

how important Paul McShane is. A canny old campaigner. Scanning,

scanning, scanning. Looking at where St Helens are weak. A little twist,

a little turn, four points. A very good finish again. They won't be

happy with the defence. But brilliant play. You can just feel

the confidence oozing from this Castleford side. Supportive players.

They are playing brilliant rugby. They are just smart, Jonathan, just

smart. Everyone feels comfortable with the ball in hand and that is

such a bonus. Brilliant pick up. Brilliant by Greg Eden.

27 tries they have scored this season. As he curled it wide? Yes.

Too much work on that. 20-4, Castleford with the lead. It was

clever. He virtually puts the player out there. Looking all the time. He

has got the ball with two hands, looking to pass it. He sees somebody

jump the line then he twists and turns his way over. Great try. It is

not enough just to tackle Mike McGeechan. You have got to get the

ball. Paul McShane was looking to get the ball as well. Here they go

again! Castleford are on fire. Roberts looks on the outside, goes

for the chip, Greg Minikin! Wow! Castleford! That tells you their

story. In 30 eye-catching seconds, you have got what Castleford are all

about. Razzle-dazzle, risk-taking, flamboyant, try scoring. You have

just got to sit back and admire it. The individual talent, the spotting.

Roberts picks a big forward up and he goes. Zak Hardaker on the inside.

He lives for him first and he could have gone but it is a beautiful get.

-- he looks for him first. That is not easy to do on the hoof. A

bouncing kick. And it is Greg Minikin. Back to back-to-back tries.

Great assessment by Roberts. James Roby was stopping that path on the

inside. He assessed the situation, rolled it onto his boot, trusted

Greg Minikin's pace and that is the end result, three tries in three

sets. They have reinvented rugby league!

Do you want to go through them all? Classic Castleford in the modern

age. Reinventing rugby league. Is there a rugby league team in the

world that's playing like this at the moment? Unless you're playing

against them, it's the best 80 minutes you can have, just sit back,

get a cup of tea, put your feet on the sofa and just enjoy it. So many

decision-makers, quick players, brilliant play. Brilliant ten

minutes. He's not got it right, to far right it started.

Body language is a lot to go by when things are going well and they are

not. St Helens players looking up the field, Paul Wellington getting

right into the players, making sure they get their heads back into this

game. How do you respond to this? If you're Paul Wellens, how do you

respond to this? They have to complete a defensive set. The last

three sets they've ended up with points against them. They have to

focus on this defensive set, not giving any penalties away and

executing the tackles and attempting to pressure the kicker. Stop the

off-load, they are on fire, they will chuck everything at them. You

have to be aggressive, pick support runners up. Just be in their face.

You can't just let them steam-roll you because they are too

comfortable. We've gone from cup tie to short time in three breathtaking

minutes here -- show time. Castleford the entertainers. McShane

left again, the step from Junior Murez. Just when you thought the

fringes were under threat. That fellow comes crashing to the middle.

It's going to be a drop goal. Everything comes out of the box.

Luke Gale with a drop goal. I was on to say what's the point of that,

it's one point. What is the point of that. Slow play of the ball. Four

sets, three tries and a drop goal. Just keep the scoreboard ticking

over. The ball was back. I can feel the DVD coming on. Three tries and a

drop goal. He hasn't kicked so well, the only downside of that

performance. Not made many conversions. I don't think he lacks

confidence! This time last year, Luke Gale, 13 appearances, one try,

43 goals. His 13th appearance this ten tries and so far 65 goals. 20

more goals than his gold, nine more tries than in the same period last

year. He makes things happen as well,. Gets near the posts like

every good half-backs. Here she is. Seize the gap and ashes into it.

Shenton holding him off if he can. Dragged back. Tackles to come. Gale

stepping again. Good step from McShane. Another of the big fellows.

Snisla Gale. Massey. Nathan Massey, if he's

got this it will be his first try of the season. The referee on the field

thinks it's a try. Is he going to be added to the list? The roll of

honour. He keeps hold of the ball all the

way to the right, it's in his hand and he has possession, still has

possession it goes out of shot. The ball is out of shot still in his

hands and that's a try. Can Miguel from the other angle if he gets his

hands all the way on it? Whilst he may lose it, he can get his hand

back on the ball before the line, still has his hands on that, that a

try, confirm the decision, it's a try. Wait for this cheer. We

wandered the Saints have any answers. The answer is no they

haven't. They had been cut to pieces by this Castleford attack. There is

the coach. Across the pitch before the half-time hooter sounds. What a

job he has done but what a job Luke Gale has done. That pass for Massey

was absolutely perfect. It invited Massey into that gap. Over it goes,

that will be the last action of the first half. Gale puts it over, 31-4.

He's a happy man, he deserves to be a happy man, they are happy fellers.

They have provided an answer to St Helens's fightback when it came and

they responded in unbelievable fashion. Michael Shenton is now

speaking with us. Tough first half but when you look at the scoreboard

how happy are you? We knew it would be a tough battle against Saints,

one of the best teams. We wanted a fast start and we got that. You just

ploughed away for 15 minutes at the end. Once we got on the role, we

kept executing. Real positive first half but big 40 minutes to go.

Castleford, remarkable half. Particular remarkable last ten

minutes on the first half. They lead 31-4 and we can assure you various

stats from the first half, although whatever stands you see probably,

Castleford with more possession, territory. Conceded more penalties

and when they conceded the penalties, it was when Castleford

fans were at their most nervous. Sam Tomkins, the one thing it doesn't

show is that approaching the half-hour, they were only 10-4 up

and they have blitzed St Helens in the last ten minutes. A period in

the middle of the first half when the tide was turning, it was with

Saints and spending a bit of time on the Castleford line. The longer it

stays like this the more likely they were looking. Elect Castleford off

the hook, Adam Swist in the corner with a silly penalty. Someday let

that shouldn't be giving penalties like that. They kick the ball ten

metres downfield and go from there. You could just start to feel a few

nerves around Castleford fans and that will come when you are 10-4 up

and you're scoring 50 pints a week and you are not doing it for a

period then they started to get nervous. I thought that was

incredible. Great performance. 10-4 when the try gets chalked off, you

think Saints are in the game and then they bring on Ben Roberts who

had a massive influence in the second part of the first half. When

the stats came up, completion rate for St Helens, 43%. If you're going

to play a conservative style of football, 43% doesn't do it. If you

throw the ball about, you can maybe get away with it, not playing

conservatively. When we go through the tries and there are a lot to go

through and we start with the Shenton try. A tweet came into as

saying it's another shocking defensive performance from Saints,

they have to close the gaps in the line. Is that fair or not giving

Castleford enough credit? It's a fair reflection, what happened in

the last ten minutes of the first half we'll talk about later about

momentum and managing the game but there are some decisions being made

by certain defenders and they don't do it purposely, shape and speed

thrown at them. Just happens to be that this is a poor read from

Morgan, the centre. Looking at the inside and what might happen on the

inside because they are man on man, have enough defenders to make a play

and Shenton bounces outside the defender. The next time he sees it,

Shenton is over the line. Shenton has halted his line and bounced out,

running the outline and left him for dead and Morgan is looking to the

inside to the ball carrier and gets caught called. Machis has done

everything you would want him to do, gone off the lead and Luke Gale put

him under pressure, three on three. -- Matty Smith has done everything.

Smith with the first two IC has got. This is big on little. He gets too

far in front of St Helens defensive line which leads him on Jake Webster

who is huge. He needs all the help he can get and it's interesting to

see big on small. Stop there, Percival has got in front of it.

Webster can't help pages in relation to the defence -- Fages. He can't

make the decision to go out to stop the sweeping play around the back. I

think Jake Webster on Fages is a mismatch at any time. That's another

poor defensive read. The past selection from Castleford today has

been outstanding. Great width from Paul McShane, the wide pass through

either of the haves and on the back of that they have had options and

picking the right pass every time. At that point we were thinking that

Saints would get blitzed away but they got back into it, Ryan Morgan

got his try. They got straight back into it by doing the simple things

right. Cat although the ball for a few cents, they didn't try to score

on every single play. Matty Smith, the perfect kick a great catch. That

got them straight back into it. We were talking earlier on, that kicks

selection, just inside where the winger is. The winner has to make an

effort to come. Later on with the Castleford try. If that kick as a

metre shorter or further it's not a try. Perfect kick and catch. That

emphasises the fine margins in kicking. We will look two kicks know

on which the game could have turned. It did turn in that half. Matty

Smith with a poor kick and Ben Roberts on the kick that led to

Castleford's next try. I think it's a very good kick, just the decision

from Swift to make the tackle on Greg Egan whilst he in the air and

that gives away penalty. The kick is a very good one. On the flip side,

Ben Roberts puts this click right above Fages, we seen a real change

in kicks selection from halves. Instead of clicking on the double

winners, the kick on top of the opposite haves because they tend to

be shorter in stature. That's bigger big difference in the game? The

turnaround from that penalty and then to concede the try, that give

the advantage to Castleford and St Helens seem to crumble on the back

of that. That it allowed try at one end and scoring a try at the other

end gave Castleford the start and momentum for the last ten minutes

and we all thought, was it four tries, in 6 cents. Wow. In six sets.

You have to give manage. If they score one they are looking to be

more expensive, they will find the off-load and I thought defensively

St Helens could not build a defensive set to get them back into

the game to kick the ball as they did for the middle 20 minutes of the

half, they ground their way in there and got to the right end of the

field and were in the game at 10-4. The game is gone now those of the

last ten minutes and at times their reluctance to not defend and not

even making these decisions defensively. We will see the McShane

try in the run-off prize at the end and four sets of defenders scrambled

back to make a huge play but it is cup tie football, trapdoor football.

You have to be better than that. Let's look at the Paul McShane try.

You mentioned it pre-match but Saints have to take responsibility

for this. A lot of the good play from Castleford today has come from.

This is the break first. Great pick-up from Eden. When he's in

dummy half he's got a shimmy, step, spin, he asks questions. When he

gets here he ends up being too strong and has the presence of mind

to put the ball over the line. Here he comes out into the picture. You

can see, Brian, there are six defenders, four and round him. Take

nothing away from Paul McShane's progress, strong and quick and he

will take any opportunity because he is a sniping little half-backs,

hooker but four defenders at the end of the day and you would expect

that... Soft dry. When the preview this game they would have previewed

Paul McShane, he's short, stocky and really strong. When Saints review

this game they will be asking questions about the defending

because that would have come of this week in preparation. Let's have a

look at the Minikin try it happened below us. Had all of us applauding.

It's what you want to see, great rugby league. One-on-one and he's

looking around for somebody to pasta, cannot find them and to be

running at that speed and to put a kick in that accurately is a tough

thing to do but makes it very easy. Ben Roberts introduction was a

masterstroke. Saints were right in the game and he has come on and

sparked them up. I cannot praise Ben Robertson. These people have kicked

the regularly in rugby league. I never got anywhere near that speed

but to run at a speed to kick the ball with such accuracy is a skill

in itself and we cannot praise enough because basically he has to

pick the ball up and put it down. We will see the Massey try as well

which was Castleford's six of the half. Is it too simplistic to say

that Saints are shell-shocked? They have been blown away. If this is the

first minute of the game they don't score the try. Saints have got

energy, concluded that 40% and defended a lot. At this point they

will be blowing pretty hard and it doesn't look like your defensive

line is as you wanted. Although it was a decent try, I think it was a

build-up of the last ten minutes of that game which made Saints defence

soberly. That was a Saints try from ten years ago. It has been role

reversal tonight. Castleford have been brilliant. Jon Wilkin didn't

actually come on until half an hour of that half and here is what we

could broadcast from his microphone during the last 40 minutes.

Old school shirt. What year is that from? It's your mums. Borrowed it

from your mum. We've got a job on here, this bench. Now let's go,

boys. Keep going, do that exact same play again. Here go, this is what

you get. This is what you get. Good stint.

Brian Noble, what do you say in the dressing room at half-time after a

last ten minutes like that? There's an element of shock, you have to

find a couple of things you can Bath the second half on. Got to get into

position. When they are in decent position, Castleford were defending

well. If they get one try, Saints, they will think they can compete in

this game. They have nothing to lose. We'll be be more expensive or

give a suffered more opportunities? They have two of their element of

control with the ball. They have to stay disciplined. They have been

reasonably disciplined and they have to find three things you can hang

your hat on and give them relief to go out there and if this happens, if

you prepared to invest in this side of the game, you have a chance but

you have to defend better than they have. Daryl Powell is out of the

dressing room and is with Tanya. I pleased were you with the first hour

from your site? Particularly the last 15-20 minute we were awesome.

Got into a battle when Saints got on top but found our way out of it and

some of the attacking play was sublime times. First ten minutes

will be keynote, we have to start well and not give St Helens a sniff

that there is something there for them. Do you feel the key is with

your site and errors and things like that? I thought that all along, if

we were on our game perhaps we would be too good. People always saying

never write St Helens off and we won't be doing that.

Thank you very much to Daryl Powell for talking to us at half-time. All

the other sports coming your way. I know Italy is your favourite, you

love the Italian entry. I went for Finland! Castleford Tigers St

Helens. 1986 the last ten Castleford won the Challenge Cup final itself.

They were in the final in 2014 and lost that day against Kevin

Sinfield's Leeds side. 23-10. They didn't have sufficient belief going

into that Wembley final. If they make it to Wembley this year,

they'll have belief. That is taken as read. The way the club has

evolves, the way the team has evolved. There is an indication

straightaway in the second half, early in the tackle count, right on

their own line, they shift the ball. Is the ability to vary their play.

The distribution that they have. Everyone is comfortable. They take

it up and they go wide and the yardage, getting most tackles. Makes

it such an easy kicking game for the half-backs. Up on tackle five. On

the sixth. The young fellow was back on. Tom Holmes and another young

fellow up there will catch it and not able to keep it in play. The

pressure on him. We talked about Robertson 's kicking. Pretty

standard for Castleford. Putting the ball into the corner. If you catch

anywhere near the sidelines you get walloped. When he went over the

sideline, I don't know. Might have been dealt a rotten hand, Reagan

Grace. Very unlucky. Castleford fans watching will wonder if Grant

Millington had been given that, for example. You think Ben Roberts...

It's been seen that he's done enough. A bit of a reach from Gale

from Sene-Lefao. The St Helens defence continuing to work. Pushed

in. It's with Cook pushing hard. Gale

left. Shenton stands. St Helens players round him up and put him

down. McShane threatening again. Webster coming from deep, into the

hands of Minikin. Looks like St Helens are in constant scramble

defence mode. Scrambling everywhere to keep the Tigers out. Sean go from

Junior Moors. Takes something to get him closer to the line then he would

have wanted. Gale is going to go himself. The ball comes free.

Hardaker flicks it back. This step and well, has he touched it down?

Was there an issue in the build-up as well? He thinks try. Looking at

the grounding potentially. Let's hear from the video referee. First

to check the flawed and whether the tackle is complete. We will have to

work out, Gale had the ball, whether his elbow at the four and whether he

has off-loaded. I could do with that replay again

slower so I can see it all from further back. Gale has the ball, he

goes towards the floor, his arm doesn't hit the floor on that

replay, he's still up. It is still up and appears to off-load. Doesn't

off-load backwards and then is the St Helens man. Wasn't tackle but

there could be a knock-on, so we have to check if you lose is it

forward or back. From the site we might be able to tell. The live

decision was tried, so Gale reaches out, he then doesn't hit the floor,

the ball comes out it then appears to be lost into the St Helens man.

Can we have that one again? The live decision is tried, so we need

sufficient evidence to prove it when forward. Gale has the ball there.

Starting to reach back and reach back and he loses it back into a

Saints man and then backwards again, that's play on. I just won the

grounding now please. It's about whether Egan goes into touch. He's

in the ear, grabs the ball, that's a try. -- he is in the air. 16th try

of the season for Greg Eden. Only his 14th appearance. Seventh try of

the afternoon for Castleford, six different try scorers. Again, you

have to look at it, the half-backs goes on, you have to wrap that all

up. It's another off-load, brilliant finish by Eden. I agree with John,

it's as if they're scrambling all the time in this game. They knew

Castleford would throw everything at them, they knew they are playing a

fold of confidence. So many tries, you have to get in their faces,

chuck them on the floor, hold them down, take support runners. Yes,

it's not legal, it doesn't matter, you have to win the game and in

their faces and be aggressive. They are so passive. They are just

struggling. Great athleticism there from Eden brilliant finish. Another

spectacular finish. It's like Castleford are on fast forward and

St Helens on normal play. Just for anybody wondering, corner flags

don't count these days. There is a knock-on. Minikin for the second

time of the game is furious with that decision. He needs to be

careful. Could be giving a penalty away here. Got a bit of reaction

from that, it's going to be a penalty. Basingstoke on Minikin --

Basingstoke on Minikin has given away the penalty. It's a penalty

because of his reaction. McCarthy-Scarsbrook drives it in.

Smith. Left without it and McShane instantly looking to try and launch

something forward. Ambitions quashed by the reaction of Fages.

Sene-Lefao. Thumping tackle in the back. This is meant to be a long

second half for the Saints players, management and supporters. Junior

Moors on the ground again. Doesn't mind taking passengers with him.

Lovely. Wants to catch it, wants to play. The referee says play on. I

think it was unnecessary what he did, he pulled the St Helens player

away from the ruck area. That may well be part of his frustration from

his early last ball but it was a little petulant. Just pulled him

away and it's cost Castleford here a great attacking position.

Six penalties conceded, the penalty count normally would suggest you are

reading by 35 - four -- the penalty count wouldn't suggest you are

leading 35-4. Hill indicates a couple of things, Castleford can't

defend and when -- Castleford can defend them when they get the ball,

they are pretty ruthless. Smith has given it to nobody. He's away

Minikin. Support from Holmes. For the corner. Swift living up to his

name but Holmes rolls over and touches down. Is this going to be

given? We're off upstairs again to the video referee. Now try, in

touch, he thinks. We will hear from the video referee again.

We'll check each runs the ball. He's sure there and has momentum, we have

two check if it takes him with them. Whether his feet go into touch. He's

in touch, we don't need to go any further than that. He's in touch so

it will be now try. Scrum. That passage of play sums again up

for me. Poor passing from St Helens and then they get down the field.

The execution is bought by St Helens and they don't look creative. A pat

on the back for the wingers there. Swift continued the good work and

put Tom Holmes into touch. Something to build on that in terms of spirit

for the Saints. The World Cup will be on BBC TV at

the end of this year of course. November to December.

Wilkin. Amor! Look at the body language. You don't need a

microphone to tell what Jon Wilkin is thinking. Restoration would sum

it up best. -- frustration would sum it up best.

Well, Justin Holbrook might be watching this. He will think, my

word, I have got a job on. I think he has gone to bed now!

Paul McShane. Mike McMeeken tackle. Keeping it alive. Dale puts it over

the top. -- Gale puts it over the top and in he goes again! Second try

of the half, second of the game. Easy, easy is the chart. Easy on the

eye? Very definitely. Easy to execute. You need very high skill

levels but that is what Castleford have got. It is difficult to execute

those skills as accurately as they are doing. The other thing that

Castleford have got is decision-making. Superb. That is the

header from Jon Wilkin to Gale. It gave the position. They are looking

to come from the right-hand side. There it goes again. This is what I

mean about execution and decision making. He sees where the space is

and he nails the pass for Greg Eden. Superb pass and great finish. They

will try and off-load it every time there is an opportunity. They chuck

it out the back door and it goes to ground, twice. Defence is dragged

in. A beautiful pass. The execution has been brilliant this afternoon by

Castleford. Top scorer this year in the top flight, Greg Eden. There

will be plenty more. Plenty more this afternoon if St Helens don't

tighten up. He steadied himself again. Has he found the range this

time? Yes, he has. His fourth success out of eight. 41-4. What do

you say, Robbie? Interesting changing dynamics on the last time I

was on screen. And how the St Helens players are dealing with it. Nobody

talking and everybody looking at the field. They know Castleford are

white hot and they have just got to hold on. Have you noticed Robbie is

getting slower and his delivery is more breathless? I will leave that

with you! 41-4! A proper cup tie after 30 minutes played. It was

really close, know this stuff, 10-4 at that stage. When you see the

draw, Castleford have lucked out and St Helens, you salivate and you

think it will be tough and tight and it could go either way. But the guys

have struggled. Any eight minutes before the break and the ten minutes

after it, they have scored 31 unanswered points. -- in the eight

minutes. Luke Gale is off again! Take your pick but he took the wrong

pick. He thought he could do it himself. If he had passed, it would

have been a Greg Eden hat-trick. Probably the only thing he has done

wrong all afternoon except missing those goal kicks. This fellow can

fly given half a chance. Alex Walmsley.

An occasion where we have not been able to admire the brilliance of

Alex Walmsley because of his side in general. Another pass. That is the

difference, the execution and the passing. Castleford make it look

easy because it is absolutely on the nail and St Helens are looking

scruffy. Wilkin. Watching it come down. We had decided to twist on

that and let someone else take responsibility. The bounds of the

ball takes it out of play. -- the bounce of the ball takes it out of

play. The first thing that Justin Holbrook will have to do is lift the

spirits of this team. And the fans. By doing it with the team will make

it happen with the fans as well. Their body language, it just looks

like a dispirited group of people. There is no sharpness, no control

from half-backs. They have a new tradition, they play a song, and

usually it is a boy of celebration from the fans. Webster comes an with

great sticking to him like a lipid and pulling him down. -- Webster

comes on with Grace sticking to him like a limp limpet.

Jesse Sene-Lefao is caught but not with the ball. The chase is on. Zak

Hardaker after it. Was he knocked out of the way? Yes. Obstructed on

his way through and penalty for Castleford underneath the sticks.

Shoulder charged off the ball. That is what I mean about the

decision-making. We saw it with Roberts's kick. Just before the Luke

Gale try. They got the ball behind them. It is good decision-making but

I doubt that he would have got there. Usain Bolt wouldn't have got

to bed. Theatrical dive, good decision and they have got

possession back. You can't use your shoulder, whatever the situation. It

is like watching the Harlem globetrotter is at times.

Eden to Gale. Tom Holmes across to Mike McMeeken. Arms pinned to his

chest. The quickest player of the born-again. Millington, Gale, the

path picked up by Greg Eden. Greg Eden's fires inside. Zak Hardaker to

Webster, Webster injects. Hanging on. They have got the number here

down the right-hand side. They might have the numbers but not the

wherewithal on that occasion. Final play to go. Luke Gale from a

standing start. Touched by a St Helens player on the way through.

When Morgan takes it, he knows he has got to take it out of play.

The Castleford fans are really enjoying their afternoon. You can

see what Luke Gale was trying to do with that kick. The bit short but it

ricocheted off the Saints. 20 off-loads by Castleford and 19 by

Saints. But you can see the support play in the second wave of attack,

that is the difference between Castleford and St Helens. And the

decision-making. Castleford's off-loads have been really creative

and they have asked questions of the Saints defence consistently. Luke

Gale stoops and collectors. Zak Hardaker gets away. Eden back

towards the middle. Gale begins his scamper. Over the top. Greg Minikin

finds Grace in his face. A bit of attitude still in the St Helens

defensive line and there has got to be. Shoulders in and charge. Two

tackles to go in set. Like a boiling pan of water. Will it bubble over?

Tom Holmes. Collection again. Last play. Webster trying to overload the

numbers. Into the knees of Theo Fages. I think that was an

accidental offside. A variety of play. The whip, the passing, the

off-loads, but when they need to go forward, the forward sticks it under

the arm and takes it in. Round the back with a knock-on. It

is Tom Makinson. That is what the offside was. Castleford double the

amount of metres that St Helens have made. It is reflected mostly in the

scoreboard. 40% set completion has now dropped to 37. Threatening to

carry the defenders with him. He has to play the ball. Sometimes in

training you have got to attack the defence and it seems like that is

what it is. Mike McMeeken, he has given it to the wrong fellow. No

advantage to St Helens. Brief respite there! Forward as well, Mike

McMeeken. I suppose they can take the chance, or chances. They are

certainly going into the bag for the next round. The draw is after that

game tomorrow, by the way, Warrington and Widnes. You can see

that on the Super League Show on Tuesday, the 23rd of May, a week on

Tuesday after that Magic Weekend in Newcastle, and don't forget the

podcast as well every Monday afternoon.

They have barely been out of their own half, Saints. It is just

defence. I am certain that Daryl Powell will be very interested now

in Castleford's attitude and application when St Helens have got

the ball. James Roby, and was there a touch by

Mike McMeeken? Yes. An advantage play, if you like, where they can