Castleford Tigers' Rangi Chase might miss Challenge Cup semi-final: Rugby
Castleford Tigers’ star player, Rangi Chase, may not be part of the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final against the Leeds Rhinos, at Doncaster, on Sunday, August 7, on account of the ongoing legal proceedings of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) against him in Australia.
Not much has been disclosed by the Tigers about the nature of legal proceedings. According to speculations, the alleged case dates back to an incident in November 2008, before he joined Tigers.The club has refused to discuss in public Chase’s case, so the
exact details of the case are still not out in the open.
According to Tigers’ coach, Terry Matterson, he is preparing the squad for the Sunday night’s clash without their 25-year-old half-back, as Chase will take off for Australia on August 3 an may not be able to make it in time before the semi-final encounter.
While commenting on the on-going preparations without Chase, Matterson stated, “We have been aware of this for some time. It wouldn’t have been relevant if we hadn’t made the semis but I’m preparing to be without Rangi.”
However, reservations for an immediate return, have already been made by his franchise, in order to rule out all possibilities of not having him onboard against the Rhinos, who are treading into the finals second time this year.
Tigers are counting to have their key player back in squad as they are marching a step closer towards the final of Carnegie Challenge Cup 2011, at Wembley Stadium, on August 27.
If Chase misses out on this semi-final, then that will be his first franchise’s semi-final since 2002, missed. Despite the prevailing uncertainty regarding Chase’s inclusion, Tiger’s coach has included him in19-man squad, which will be officially disclosed
on Friday.
The last year’s finalists’ coach, Brian McDermott was delighted to find out about the probable absence of Chase and branded it as “a good rumour by Terry Matterson”.
He further added, “We have practised and done some video work and Chase is in the team. He is a big threat but I won’t get drawn down the line they are a one man team. I don’t think they are.”
Kevin Sinfield, who captains Leeds, reckons that Chase has a lot to offer with his outstanding performance in Super League and is highly rated by him as a performer. He further added that his outfit will have to prepare for the semi- final clash, taking
into account his presence, as no one knows for sure until match day.
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