When Warrington aim to halt their worst losing run since 2009, against Castleford Tigers on Easter Monday, it promises to be an emotional afternoon for their hooker. Daryl Clark was born in Castleford, played his amateur rugby in the town, and began his professional career with the Tigers, in 2011, before switching to Warrington this season in a six-figure transfer, agreed in 2013, that is credited with saving Castleford from administration.
Last season Clark become the figurehead of Daryl Powell’s side, playing a key role in their run to the Challenge Cup final, as well as fourth place in Super League. He also won the Man of Steel award for the league’s outstanding player and finished the year as a full England international, playing all three matches in the Four Nations in Australia and New Zealand.
Monday represents the first time Clark will play against his former employers, who were comfortably beaten by Leeds on Good Friday, as his new ones seek to avoid a third straight defeat and halt an alarming slide down the table. The importance of the game is not lost on the 22-year-old, but he admits it will be a challenging experience to try to silence the fans who used to cheer his name. “They were the only team I played for coming through as a youngster, so it’s going to feel a bit different on the other side,” he says. “It’s something I’m looking forward to, though.
“Hopefully they can turn up in numbers and fill the stadium – although I’m not sure what the reception will be for me, we’ll have to wait and see. I still look out for their results to see how they’re going and I hope they do well. They’re probably a bit like us: they’ve put a few good performances together, but they’ve also been poor in other games.”
Clark has struggled to hit the heights of 2014 and he admits it has been difficult task following up from such a remarkable campaign. “It’s been hard getting judged on last year but I knew that would happen,” he says. “I’ve got to keep working hard and get back to where I was.
“It’s my fifth year so I’m a bit past the second-year syndrome. It was an awesome year and although some games aren’t going to be as good as last year, hopefully I can get back to something like that form.”
Elsewhere, third play fourth, as Wigan travel to Salford. The Warriors, fresh from Good Friday’s victory against St Helens, are still seeking a first win on the road this season. St Helens host second bottom Hull FC at Langtree Park aiming for a first win in three amid a substantial injury crisis, and Hull’s cross-city rivals, Hull KR, host Huddersfield in a game that pits fifth against sixth.
Top of the table Leeds Rhinos host bottom side Wakefield and Widnes make the trip to Perpignan to take on Catalans Dragons.
Tomorrow’s Super League fixtures
Warrington v Castleford 2.45pm, SS1
Hull KR v Huddersfield3pm
Leeds v Wakefield3pm
Salford v Wigan3pm
St Helens v Hull FC3pm
Catalans Dragons v Widnes5pm, SS2
