Duo to miss out as Eagles play it safe

Skipper and prop forward Jack Howieson took a heavy blow to the head in the win over Batley.

Half-back Gavin Brown didn't come out for the second half after a throat injury was aggravated.

Both were the victims of some 'robust' Batley tackling which led referee Leon Williamson to award a string of penalties in the 56-24 win.

Coach Mark Aston said: "We've a few we have to check on in training. Jack has a bit of knock to his head and Dale Holdstock played although he had been struggling with flu last week.

"Gavin got a bit of knock in the throat a couple of weeks ago and at half-time we decided not to risk him.

"It is a bit of luxury that we don't have to risk him because of the other players available."

Brown and Howieson have played key roles in the Eagles' surge of form which has taken them to the edge of the play-off places in the Co-operative National League One.

With games at strugglers Rochdale and Dewsbury - the club just one point ahead of the Eagles - to come this month, it's unlikely either will be risked at Castleford on Sunday.

Brendon Lindsay returned after injury last Friday and put in a 60-minute spell at half-back, partnering the increasingly mature and disciplined Dominic Brambani.

Winger Zac Hill is enjoying his loan spell at Keighley, scoring two tries for the Cougars in their 52-22 beating of Swinton. Caldon Bravo made his loan debut for Hunslet Hawks in their 32-22 win at Blackpool.