Hull FC: I won’t use avoiding last place as motivation, says Castleford coach Millward

CASTLEFORD Tigers coach Ian Millward insists he won’t use the prospect of his side avoiding the wooden spoon as motivation.

The Tigers currently sit 13th in the league ladder with only Widnes Vikings below them in the table. Boasting only 12 points, the same as the Vikings, Castleford know victory at the KC will keep them off the bottom and possibly finish 12th.

But Millward insists that won’t be a source of his motivation this evening as his side look to bring a poor season to a close.

“There won’t be any speeches about trying to avoid finishing bottom, it will be about trying to keep working to the last day to the best of our ability,” said Millward.

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“We can’t control what the other teams do, we just have to control ourselves and if we play well then it will take care of itself where we finish.

“No-one wants to finish bottom, but I don’t think that’s the best I can get out of the team talking about it.”

The Aussie this week hit out at Hull owner Adam Pearson of his handling of the Rangi Chase transfer saga, questioning whether Hull are genuine in their pursuit of the half-back.

Having aired his grievances, Millward is now focusing on a positive end to the year, but finds himself with a mounting injury problem.

Among those missing tonight is former FC player Jamie Ellis, who dislocated his shoulder last week.

And it seems certain the Tigers will have to turn to their youth this evening.

Millward added: “Our biggest problem for the game at Hull is that with the two new players out we’ve got a very thin squad.

“Steve Nash got a horrendous head injury and won’t be able to play and Jamie Ellis is out for months.

“We’ve probably got three more players who are out as well.

“We will have to bring a couple of young kids in to fill the gaps left. It’s likely Ben Johnston will come back in and then we’ll probably pick two other kids and have a look at them.

“I’ve been impressed with Ben’s development with the top squad and he’s got speed. It’s a good opportunity for us to see if the youngsters can do a job for us next season and a chance for the players to impress as well.

“It’s obviously a tough game.

“Hull have only lost once at home all season so they’re pretty good.

“It’s the last game so we want to go there and put up a performance that’s credible.

“It’s important to put up a good performance for the fans.”