1:50 Williams admits he is bound to be ‘pretty rusty’ as he makes his return to rugby league after a five-year absence
“Hopefully it won’t take the whole season,” Williams said. “But going on the past, I understand what it takes to get there.
“Being realistic, I know I will be pretty rusty coming back after five years, so what I’m trying to base my game on is hard work and fitting in to how the Toronto boys play.
“They’ve been pretty successful in the past couple of years and just being at training with the lads, I understand why.
“They’re a humble, hard-working group of men and I think coach’s philosophy on playing rugby suits the boys and you can tell how everyone cares about the team.”
Shenton itching to get going
Castleford, on the other hand, go into the season aiming to ensure they end it among the play-off contenders again after sneaking into the top five on points difference in 2019.
A defeat to eventual runners-up Salford in the semi-finals denied the Tigers a return to Old Trafford for the Grand Final last year and Daryl Powell’s men are optimistic of being in the title shake-up once more.
A Grand Final appearance would be the perfect way for Castleford captain Shenton to cap his testimonial year and the Pontefract native is proud of the way the club has developed under head coach Powell’s stewardship.
“It’s been great to play for the team and be part of it, but then to see the team grow and the club grow the way it has done on the field is as well,” Shenton told Sky Sports.
“That’s definitely what we’re challenging for. It’s the way we train and the way want to play. We want to be challenging and playing in the big games, so I’m just excited it’s all coming around again now.
“It feels like it’s been ages since I played a proper competitive game, so it should be a fantastic atmosphere which will make it a bit more special.”
Gale raring to go back at Rhinos
The infrastructure at Headingley might have changed beyond recognition since he last pulled on a Rhinos shirt as part of their academy, but the club itself still has the same feeling for Luke Gale.
Gale is set to form a potentially exciting half-back partnership with Robert Lui as the team, now under the guidance of Richard Agar on a permanent basis, aim to get back to being among the contenders for silverware in Super League.
Fellow newcomers Matt Prior, Alex Mellor and Rhys Evans could make their bows against Yorkshire rivals Hull as well, and Gale is excited to be back at Leeds for this new chapter of the club’s history.
“The infrastructure has changed, but it still has a sense of being a massive club,” Gale said. “Everything is really professional, and they’ve welcomed me back with open arms, so it has been a really easy transition.
“I’m in a new position, I’m in new colours and I just can’t wait to get started. We’ve had a really good pre-season and we’ve got a blank canvas here at Leeds.
“We’ve got a new group and I’m excited to see where the journey ends.”
Watch Toronto Wolfpack vs Castleford Tigers in the Betfred Super League live on Sky Sports Arena from 2pm on Sunday, followed by Leeds Rhinos vs Hull FC (4.30pm).
Sourse: skysports.com
