Whilst maintaining an unbeaten record, the Tigers haven't yet been able to shake off the attentions of Whitehaven, who have a significantly more stingy defence - so there are points to be had against Cas.

The Tigers come buoyed-up by their recent qualification for the National Cup final, with reports suggesting that they've already sold 5,000 tickets. It'd be churlish to suggest that this merely underlines their desperation for success of any kind - no matter how minor - after their fall from SL grace. So I won't.

Last week Cas swatted aside Doncaster, abetted by a Michael Platt hat-trick, but coach David Woods knows where his side's weaknesses are: "... we put on some good tries, but they scored their tries on the back of silly penalties we gave away." Sounds eerily familiar to me!

But someone, somewhere is going to spring a surprise on Castleford this season and it might as well be us.

After Sunday's battling win at Batley, the Hornets camp has more of a bounce in its step this week. And, though the Bobster has had ample time to consider his somewhat idiosyncratic relationship with Gareth Hewer, he can reflect on a dynamic personal contribution to what was an important confidence-boosting win.

For the first time in weeks, the side looked better balanced and it was particularly pleasing to see Paul Anderson playing some very tidy football. Alongside him Sam Butterworth showed again what a cultured footballer he can be.

This ability to play without fear has been lacking of late, but if Hornets can build on last week's foundation the run-in to the end of the season - with six home games from eight - it should be a very interesting few months indeed.

As for Sunday, Hornets know that we have to be on our mettle for the full 80 against Castleford. Having competed for the majority of the fixture at Wheldon Rd, it was Cas' ability to move up a gear at key moments that eventually pulled them clear.

If - as Bobbie keeps ramming home - we can complete our sets, make our one on ones stick and cut out the penalties (we lost the count 13-5 at Batley), we've got as good a chance as anyone.

Home advantage after a long stint away will work in our favour - and it's certainly been quite some time since Castleford played in a stadium anywhere near the standard of Spotland, so we need to make that work for us.

Despite the disappointment and stop-start naure of the past few weeks, the support at Batley last week was tremendous - and we should be looking to bring that spirit home on Sunday. There's no doubt that the players feed off the positivity and passion of the fans - and what brings us together makes us stronger.

There's no doubt that the ground will be buzzing with expectation on Sunday - and this certainly is our biggest home game of the season. So big that president of our main sponsor Nardi is flying in from Milan to see us in action - so let's give him a warm Hornets welcome.

If there's one game to see this season, this is it. It'll be an absolute belter. Get there early - we'll see you there.