Monday 29 September 2014 09:47, UK
Forward Nathan Massey believes it has been a season to remember for Daryl Powell's Castleford Tigers despite finishing on a three-game losing run.
The Tigers surpassed all expectations in 2014 and were one victory away from pipping St Helens to the League Leaders’ Shield.
Castleford also reached the Tetley’s Challenge Cup final and they ultimately finished fourth in the standings following their 28-6 loss to Catalan Dragons to end the regular season.
Looking at our season, from where we were last year to where we are now, I think it’s a great achievement for the team.
The Tigers had two chances in the playoffs, but following their heavy 41-0 loss to Saints they were unable to maintain their progression last Thursday after going down to Warrington 30-14 on home soil.
Massey, who limped off injured in the contest, believes the team can take great heart from the 2014 campaign and that finishing above the likes of Leeds is something to be proud of.
“We were gutted with the loss,” he said. “Fair play to Warrington, they’ve been really good this year. So have we, but they got the win on the day.
“But looking at our season, from where we were last year to where we are now, I think it’s a great achievement for the team.
“It has been a great year for the team and the club and the community. Obviously we have given ourselves a real boost now and put ourselves back on the map.
“Finishing above some top clubs like Leeds and reaching the Challenge Cup final was great. But we have got to learn from these experiences and kick on for next year.
“It has been a first experience for nearly all the team, playing in these big games. Obviously we haven’t really handled it too well, but it is a learning curve and hopefully come next year we will be better for it.”
