Daryl Powell says Zak Hardaker can expect 'vocal' reception at Castleford Tigers

Castleford coach Daryl Powell has warned Zak Hardaker to expect a hostile reception when he makes his return to the Mend-a-Hose Jungle on Friday night.
Zak Hardaker was a fans' favourite at Castleford before his banZak Hardaker was a fans' favourite at Castleford before his ban
Zak Hardaker was a fans' favourite at Castleford before his ban

The former Leeds and England full-back was a key member of the Tigers' team that won the League Leaders' Shield in 2017 until a failed drugs test ruled him out of the Grand Final and led to his sacking.

After serving a 14-month suspension for cocaine use, Hardaker made his return with Wigan and he will make his 10th successive appearance for them against his former club in the Betfred Super League round-nine fixture.

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"He'll get the usual one (reception) for a player that's left a team in circumstances that you wouldn't want," Powell said. "No doubt it will be pretty vocal.

"I've had them myself going back to certain clubs, I don't think he'll worry about it too much. We've just got to make sure he doesn't play well.

"I thought he started the season off a little bit slow but he looks like he's getting some form back now.

"Carrying the ball out of backfield is one of his key strengths and he looks like he's doing that as he usually does."

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While Castleford look to avoid a third straight defeat, the reigning champions are bidding for a third successive victory after turning around their fortunes.

Powell said: "I hate losing one, never mind three out of the last four, but you've got to deal with wins and losses in the right way. We'll find out on Friday where we're at.

"It will be a tough challenge. They've got some players coming back and they look like they're coming into some form now."