Matterson looks for big response

Terry Matterson, the Castleford coach, is expecting a massive improvement from his players after their below-par performance at Bradford when they entertain Hull KR in the Super League at The Jungle tonight.

Matterson was delighted with his side's win at Leeds in the opening game of the season and encouraged even in defeat at the hands of Warrington a week later, but admits his team went backwards in the 41-22 defeat at Odsal.

"There were some mitigating factors but we could, and should, have done better," he said. "The guys themselves were disappointed and I'm sure that will be a big spur for them on Saturday because they are very determined to get back to winning ways."

Hull KR, too, will be looking to atone for a major disappointment following their 30-0 home defeat to Huddersfield last weekend and both coaches will be making changes.

Matterson is set to give a debut to winger Shaun Ainscough, who has joined on loan from Wigan as a replacement for Richard Owen (broken leg), while Rovers coach Justin Morgan has new signings Joel Clinton and Josh Hodgson in his squad for the first time.

"Whilst losing Richard Owen is a big blow for us I'm looking forward to seeing how Shaun Ainscough goes," Matterson said. "He is a young guy but he has shown his promise and, with bags of pace, we need to try and make sure that he gets some good ball."

Ainscough added: "I'm really pleased to be back in Super League and can't wait for this game."

Morgan has reacted to the Huddersfield defeat by axing loose forward Paul Cooke and centre Mike Ratu, but is not unduly concerned over his side's form."There will be some changes," he said. "If you get beat 30-0, other people might deserve their chance."

Rovers did the double over Castleford last season and full-back Shaun Briscoe, who scored five tries in the two meetings, is poised to return from a knee injury but Morgan is wary of the dangerous opposition.

"Any team that can beat Leeds at Headingley must be doing okay," he said. "We've obviously got to have a drastic improvement on last week if we are to get the points."