Castleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell says he is not bothered by critics who claim he is fielding a weakened side against Hull.

The Tigers are already assured of a home semi-final next Thursday so their home clash with Hull sees them with nothing really to fight for, but for Hull it is a massive game if they are to qualify for the last four.

Powell has left out his big names as he prepares for the games ahead, leading to criticism from some quarters that he is thinking solely about the Tigers.

But he told Total Rugby: “It doesn’t bother me one iota. It’s about what is important for us. If you look at the game against Wigan on the Sunday, we’ve then got matches Friday and Thursday which is three games in 12 days - that’s tough.

“We’ve got a lot of weight put on a certain group of players and I need to make sure that next week, everyone is ready.

“We’re not discounting Friday’s game but we’ve a huge game the week after."