Ex-Tiger looking to put claws into Cas
Former Castleford captain Andrew Henderson makes an emotional return to The Jungle this weekend for the first time since quitting in 2008.
Now leading Championship side , the 30-year-old hooker told me he never thought he'd ever make it back to his favourite ground - but the magic of conjures up opportunities like this. It is one Henderson intends to seize.
"It will be very strange going back to a club that is next to my heart," said Henderson, who never wanted to leave Cas only to be forced out by salary cap restrictions in 2008.
Now living with his family in the somewhat isolated surrounds of Barrow, I asked him what he is most excited about ahead of his Jungle return. "I can't wait to whack Craig Huby," said Scotland's captain. "Over four years at Cas, he was my target for verbals, so he's told me he's gonna hit me hard!"
A Barrow victory would represent a great shock, but, with Steve McCormack's in-form side up to fourth in the Championship after four straight wins, Henderson reckons an upset is on. "We're hearing there's a bit of unrest at Cas and their fans aren't happy," he said. "Their confidence is down so I think we can do them."
There is plenty of experience in the Barrow team, too, with Jamie Rooney, Ned Catic, Paul Noon and Andy Bracek leading their charge.
Henderson sees Castleford v Barrow as one of three potential shocks in the fourth round this weekend. "As well as us to beat Castleford, I'd have Blackpool to give Whitehaven problems," he said. "I also see danger for Wakefield at Harlequins."
Henderson in action for Castleford against Wigan in 2008
There are other stories to look out for on rugby league's equivalent of FA Cup third-round weekend, too.
I've already highlighted in an earlier blog the dilemma facing Lee Greenwood. It appears he won't be playing for Batley when the Bulldogs run out against Siddal on Sunday. That's because he coaches the Calderdale amateur team in his spare time.
Batley boss Karl Harrison has told Greenwood to take the week off. "It looks like I'm coaching Siddal but I thought I'd be playing for Batley," said the player.
Then there is Saturday's heavyweight clash between Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos, which is being shown live on 91Èȱ¬ One from 1415 BST.
It's a great tie, made all the more appealing by the fact that both coaches are steeped in Cup tradition. Hull boss Richard Agar's dad Allan coached Featherstone to victory over Hull in the 1983 final. Leeds coach Brian McClennan's old man Mike coached St Helens in their final defeat to Wigan at Wembley in 1991.
Let's see who's still standing come the end of the weekend...
Comment number 1.
At 16th Apr 2010, NottsWarrior wrote:I'd have a punt on Limoux against leigh, who will be tired after the long coach journey. Would say lezignan to give widnes a game, but it'll either be off or the french will have an arduous journey. Also, summer conference kicks off this weekend, main match probably hemel v bramley on sunday.
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Comment number 2.
At 19th Apr 2010, Diane wrote:Well, it seems that Henderson was right on all counts! I wonder if he'd predict my lottery numbers as well? lol
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Comment number 3.
At 21st Apr 2010, George Riley wrote:I know, outrageous predictions from Hendo - I've not heard the end of it since, he thinks he's some kind of genius now.
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