CASTLEFORD coach Daryl Powell does not expect globe-trotting Hull to be at a disadvantage when they meet at the Jungle this afternoon.

The Black and Whites, who were one of only two away teams to win at the Jungle in 2017, arrived back this week from a fortnight’s tour of New South Wales where they played an historic Super League match against Wigan before taking on St George Illawarra in a friendly.

Lee Radford’s men have had just four days to re-acclimatise and overcome jet lag, but Powell believes they will be ready.

“I don’t see it as an issue at all,” he said. “It’s just about us. We’ve got to play well. I thought Hull were outstanding in their last game and that’s what we’re preparing for.

“They’re a really good side who will challenge you. You look at what [Albert] Kelly is doing, he’s playing exceptional rugby league and [Liam] Watts has got plenty of admirers after his performance last week.”

As winners of the League Leaders Shield and Grand Final runners-up, Castleford would themselves have been playing the World Club Series had the official version gone ahead, but Powell says his side have benefited from the break.

“The grounds are firming up and it’s got us a couple of players back fit in Greg Eden and Joe Wardle, so that gives us a deeper squad to select from,” Powell said.

“We’ve been able to work on a few things that we need to improve and sharpen up our attacking play which has been a bit off.”

Powell says he will make a late call on Ben Roberts or the fit-again Greg Eden for the full-back role, but close-season recruit Wardle will definitely make his debut.

Wardle, who was signed from Newcastle Knights after cutting short his stay in the NRL, was all set to make his bow in the opening game at St Helens three weeks ago but pulled a hamstring in the captain’s run.

Powell said: “Joe Wardle is looking impressive. The week off has given him a chance to get himself right and he looks in a good place.”

Wardle played the majority of his career at Huddersfield as a centre but is expected to fight for a back-row spot at the Tigers.

“He’s an outstanding centre, but he’s over 100 kilos and he’s quick and athletic,” Powell added. “He can play both positions.”

Hull are still without skipper Danny Houghton and vice-captain and Scott Taylor, but second rower Mark Minichiello has shaken off an ankle injury.

Chris Green and Carlos Tuimavave are set to make their first league appearances of the season and youngsters Brad Fash and Masimbaashe Matongo also make Lee Radford’s 19-man squad.

Catalans Dragons are set to welcome back Tony Gigot for the visit of unbeaten Wakefield to Perpignan today.

The France international won his appeal against a two-year ban imposed by the French anti-doping authority and, after being named in coach Steve McNamara’s 19-man squad, has a “good chance” of playing.