Opposition guide: Castleford Tigers

May 29 2009 by Chris Roberts

A strong defender and talented attacker, the 2007 National League season was Westerman’s first, winning his place in the senior squad at just 17 and never losing it.

At the end of that campaign he was named the National League Young Player of the Year and that set the platform for the 2008 Super League season when he took to the top-flight as if born for it.

The former Featherstone Lions junior has captained England Schools, represented the England Academy and was in the England train-on squad for last year’s World Cup squad before a foot injury ended forced him to pull out.

CASTLEFORD coach Terry Matterson, right, believes success in the Challenge Cup would provide his side with a boost as strong as the one experienced by the Giants.

The Australian felt Huddersfield’s appearance in the Challenge Cup final in 2006 kick-started their transformation into one of Super League’s leading clubs, with the Giants reaching the play-offs for the first time the following season.

And the Tigers chief is hoping it can have a similar affect on his side – if they can beat the Giants.

“It would be a big boost for us if we could get to the Challenge Cup final,” he said. “We’ve seen it benefit Huddersfield since they got to the final a few years ago, and I think they’re still riding that wave a bit.

“I’m sure it could have the same positive effect for us.”