Rangi Chase thinks can he improve on his Man-of-Steel show in 2012 but Castleford coach Ian Millward wants to ease the burden him.
Millward keen to ease burden on Castleford stand-off
England international Rangi Chase insists he can improve on his Man-of-Steel show in 2012 but new Castleford coach Ian Millward admits he needs to make the Tigers less reliant on their star playmaker.
The 25-year-old stand-off enjoyed a stellar year in 2011, beating Sam Tomkins and James Roby to the game's top individual award in a poll of Super League players and helping England reach the Four Nations final after switching his allegiance from New Zealand.
But Castleford just fell short in both domestic competitions, losing out in extra time in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and narrowly failing to hang onto a Super League play-off place after being in the top eight virtually all season.
Millward, who has succeeded fellow Australian Terry Matterson at the Probiz Coliseum, acknowledges that Chase will again have a key role but is striving to ensure his team are no one-man band.
"We're trying to change our style a bit," Millward said.
"It's very obvious if you look at the stats from last year, if Rangi doesn't perform or play, the club were less effective.
"We understand there's quality there, we've just got to work out what's best for the team."
Challenge
Chase, who signed a new four-year contract last September, admits he has a hard act to follow after producing the best form of his career in 2011.
"It was a good year for me, with England and Man of Steel, which was the highlight of my career," he said.
"It all came at once but hopefully I can back something up like that this year.
"It will be very hard but I like a challenge. I'm not bothered about the awards, as long as I personally go well and the team goes well.
"If I'm playing well and doing my job, it will help us reach the potential we have. That's a big goal for me this year, to do my best to help us get to the finals.
"Last year was the best I've played so far but I know I've got more to give and more to improve on. I know I can be a better player, a more rounded player."
