Interim Castleford Tigers head coach Chris Chester admits his side are ‘down to bare bones’ for Saturday’s clash against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.
Providing a full injury update, Chester says full-back Tex Hoy was set to mark his return against Leeds Rhinos before withdrawing during the captain’s run. The 25-year-old Australian has not featured since May with a hamstring injury, and has not made fitness to feature in the 21-man squad this week.
Meanwhile, captain Sam Wood and veteran loose forward Joe Westerman have also picked up knocks ahead of the weekend’s trip to the South of France.
“Tex came back from a calf [issue], and then he couldn’t even do the team run, so he was pulled,” Chester explained.
“We trained all that week with Tex, and we got plenty of load into him. We had a day off, and he came in the following day for the team run and he couldn’t even warm up.
“It just seems like two steps forward, three back sometimes for some of these players. Joe Westerman has an issue with a knee and calf, he had to leave the field last week.
“Sam Wood has got an issue with a wrist. We’re hopeful with Tex next week, and potentially Zac Cini and Jason Qareqare, so some outside-backs there because we are serious down to bare bones. I think we’ll be taking 19 with us to France.”
Meanwhile, Chester has confirmed a debut for Alfie Lindsey, who was named the club’s academy player of the year in 2024.
Chester insists he will use the remaining part of the Super League season to hand opportunities to the club’s youngsters, with a chance to impress new head coach Ryan Carr – who will take charge ahead of 2026 on a three-year deal.
“Young Alfie Lindsey will get an opportunity this week,” Chester confirmed.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Alfie play. We represented him with his shirt this morning, and he’s had some nice messages from his family – who are actually away in Turkey on holiday at the minute!
“It’s a good opportunity these next five weeks to play some young kids, and it gives them an opportunity to show Ryan Carr whether they’re worthy of a first-team squad number in 2026.”
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