I made a point of arguing in that thread that I was gutted we'd been knocked out of the cup and it wasn't a positive at all, yet Cas fans are happy to not win the cup because of 1 poster . It wasn't like hull thrashed us, it was 4 tries each! In 25 games in league at cup this season only 1 side has scored more tries then us , funnily enough hull and we still won the game! Cas have players who have played on a big stage before, hardaker numerous finals, Shenton cup and grand final, Webster played internationals / cup final, Lynch played in finals, McShane played in finals involving leeds, plus the rest of the Cas squad who were involved in the 2014 final will have learnt heaps from the occasion.

Hull have played in as many finals as Cas in the last 3 years. Would Leeds young players who didn't feature pre 2015 be able to live up to that of their predecessors? Will wigan even finish 4th ?

So much water to pass under the bridge yet but so many people are writing off Cas based on not much really. We shall see.

I was surprised when I looked how few players Cas have from the CCF in 2014; only 5 players from that 17 now in their team compared to Leeds' 10. Quite a turnover in players that in 3 years, more credit should go to them for being able to assemble a new-ish team that's gelled quickly.

With 6 points between 3rd and 8th, any club which puts a run together can make the semi finals and look likely to be playing Cas or Leeds.
You have to fancy the clubs that have been there before to win the GF, even if we get a couple of "newbies" in the semis.
It will all swing on whether Saints and/or Wigan can make the top 4 but, right now, anything is possible, apart from Cas winning the LLS, which is a given.

As for the middle 8's, unless there are some major shocks, it looks like Widnes v KR in the MPG.

Leigh to go down hopefully, and a bonus if Widnes go down with em.

I think a bit of paranoia is creeping in.
You are nailed on for the LLS, nailed on and fwiw, I tipped Cas to do just that at the start of the season.
To pretend that clubs that have been there before dont have an advantage is just bravado or naivety.
How many have won at the first attempt ?

Ok all non Cas fans can we just say Cas are going to storm through the playoffs and win because it's clearly upsetting their fans who can't accept that some people don't think Cas will win the GF. Let's ignore all past history when it comes to playoffs and the major experience factor other teams have because Paul McShane once played in one single WCC for Leeds where he gifted Melbourne the softest of tries. Let's pretend also that they aren't writing others of themselves or will have done in previous years, I'm sure they were all saying Hudds would win in 2013 after they won the LLS.

Were Huddersfield quite as dominant as Cas in 2013? Did they have an unbeaten home record which gave them an edge in the playoffs ? Was it as straightforward to even make the GF back then? Basically Cas 2017 and Huddersfield 2013 are not the same sides (not disrespecting Huddersfield either). They won something which is still better then sod all .

If (and its a big if) we (Tigers) get to the Grand Final we are most likely going to be up against a team who have experience in final/s over the last couple of seasons - Wigan, Saints, Leeds or Hull FC. We would be the under dogs which is exactly what I and most other Cas fans want and expect.

The only chance we have of going to Old Trafford as favourites would be if we were up against Wakey, Salford or Hudds.

Whatever happens I'm enjoying the ride - what a fantastic season 2017 has been.

Warrington in 2011 were better than this seasons Cas side and lost a home semi final to the team who finished 5th.

What's the point in getting into a debate on a subject when you just make things up in response, who has suggested we are going to 'Storm the play offs'. I believe we will win the grand final because we are far and above the best team throughout the season. You don't because nobody has done it at first attempt. History isn't everything otherwise we would still be waiting for a Hull FC wembley win.

Hull FC ??? They have been in one grand final which was 11 years ago

I suggest you look at the bookies odds, regardless we will be favourites, we've been evens to win it pretty much 3 months now.

You are indeed correct "Cas Till I Die"
Castleford are Red hot favourites to win the Grand Final and quite rightly so IMO as they are miles ahead of all the rest of the chasing pack in terms of both league points and performances this season

To be 10 points ahead of your closest rival after 23 rounds is an absolutely massive statement and is why William Hill have these odds for this season's GF Winners as of today

EVENS Castleford
5/1 Leeds
11/2 Hull FC
7/1 St Helens
8/1 Wigan
16/1 Salford
50/1 Wakefield
80/1 Huddersfield

Those odds say as much about how far Cas are from the rest of SL at present.
The odds of all the other teams will shrink and Cas could well be longer come the final, if they are in there.
They are certain of a semi final spot but, apart from Leeds, none of the other clubs are, especially Wakefield & Salford.