Krystian Mapapalangi has a “good” chance of returning for Castleford Tigers this week, his head coach Ryan Carr has confirmed.
Mapapalangi was a late withdrawal from Cas’ defeat to Leigh a fortnight ago, and despite being given every chance to return against Leeds last week, couldn’t prove his fitness in time.
As such, a question about his health was posed to boss Carr in his weekly press conference, who said that the star centre is improving after needing to have fluid drained out of a dead leg.
“He’s done everything he possibly can,” the boss said. “He’s been on top of his recovery and his rehab, so we’re hopeful.”
Jordan Lane is in a similar situation after a hip injury in the Leigh game, and could also return this week.
The only change to Carr’s 21-man squad this week was the absence of Joe Westerman, who “picked up something in the background” and is unable to play this week.
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Castleford Tigers boss reveals 2027 spine plan as star set for role change
Last week, it was revealed that Castleford had added both Tyrell Sloan and Alfie Johnson to their roster for 2027.
Sloan, who is the third player to join from St George Illawarra Dragons, has been playing on the wing in the NRL as of late, but Carr has confirmed that the 24-year-old has not signed on to play that position.
“His best position is full-back,” Carr said. “It’s where he can utilise his strengths and his speed.
“He’s two-sided. You see him at the moment, he’s playing on the wing and he’s still scoring tries for fun in the NRL, whereas we want to try and use his strengths everywhere on the field.
However, if Sloan does play full-back, it means that injured star Blake Taaffe will need to move positions, something Carr revealed he already has a plan for.
He explained: “Blake’s grew up as a half, in the halves and in the spine. He’s played seven, six and one in his professional career to date.
“The thought process is ‘the more good players you’ve got, the better that is to make you a better team.’ That’ll be my job, to figure out where they all play.”
