SAINTS are expecting Castleford Tigers to be a different proposition to the side they stuffed 60-4 at The Jungle on May 10 when Super League returns to the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday night.

Indeed, in their last two games Craig Lingard’s men have narrowly lost to top-three sides Wigan Warriors (10-8) and Hull KR (13-12) at home.

“I think our last meeting may have been a bit of a line-in-the-sand moment for them because they have certainly improved since then,” said Saints head coach Paul Wellens.

“They’re a very competitive team and have pushed both Wigan and Hull KR all the way, and they’re great teams in their own right.

“We’re under no illusions it’s going to be a tough game.

“I heard their coach in a recent interview talking about being a team that wants to compete and doesn’t want to get uncomfortable having a team getting lots of points scored past them.

“He’s certainly addressed that in recent weeks so we know that they’re a team now that’s working hard for each other.

“For any team that’s going to be successful, any team that wants to win games, the work ethic has to be the starting point and they’ve certainly got that at the moment.”