Tigers are stronger - Matterson

Henderson captained the Tigers to promotion last year (PA)

Castleford head coach Terry Matterson has warned that his Tigers will be a forced to be reckoned with in Super League XIII.

Tigers bounced straight back last season after their relegation in 2006 and Matterson has spent the close- season building a team to compete.

The new blood includes Brent Sherwin, Luke Dorn and Tom Haberecht.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: "It's not going to be easy, but there are some exciting times ahead for this club."

Interview: Castleford boss Terry Matterson

He added: "We had 16 quality players from last year and we have added even more quality to that. We are still a little light on numbers and will have to add to that as the season goes on."

We are a better team than two years ago, but the competition is so much better too Castleford boss Terry Matterson

Hooker Andrew Henderson captained the side in 2007 as the Tigers battled past rivals Widnes to win promotion back to the top flight.

However, this season the pressure will be taken off him and Castleford will be lead by joint captains, with New Zealander Awen Guttenbeil and new boy Sherwin sharing the armband.

"We are a better team than two years ago, but we have to be because the competition is so much better too. It's a very even competition now, so it's tougher and a challenge for us all," Matterson added.

Follow the Tigers' Super League progress throughout the season on BBC Radio Leeds. Live rugby league action every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.