Sene Lefao: “In terms of confidence we always have that, we just have to put that together as a team and as one”

Castleford Tigers prop Jesse Sene Lefao is set to make his 150th career appearance this weekend against local rivals Wakefield Trinity with spirits in the Tigers camp at a high.

After picking up their first away win over St Helens in 32 years in the last round of fixtures, spirits are running high in the Castleford squad at the moment.

The Tigers headed into August on the back of five straight losses including a 26-12 loss to Saints in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley, but despite all this Jesse Sene Lefao has admitted that confidence in the squad has never taken a step down.

“Our confidence comes from the work we do in training I don’t think when you play Saints you lack in confidence,” Jesse told Prost International.

“In terms of confidence we always have that, we just have to put that together as a team and as one.

“Spirits are high, the town is buzzing and people are bringing up the 32-year drought it’s also a proud feeling especially with it being against Saints and especially over there.”

150 appearances is key a milestone for any Super League player and this weekend’s game against the Tigers nearest and dearest rivals will be Jesse’s 150th career appearance across the NRL and Super League and it’s safe to say the news caught the 31-year-old by surprise.

“I didn’t even know! My 100th game was against Wakefield and now my 150th is, so that is special in itself,” Jesse added.

“We take these milestones pretty seriously, we use it for motivation and to get the win and these local derbies are always good and I love playing in them.”

Sene-Lefao joined the Tigers ahead of a 2017 season that saw the club top the league table for the first time in its then 91 year history with the New Zealand born forward playing a key role.

When asked to name his proudest moment he admitted that some memories are still to be played out, but this year’s trip to Wembley is one of the most notable to date.

“Because I’m still playing and chasing the next win it’s hard to get a rest and think back at all the best moments so I try and make more good moments that I can share with my kids and my grandkids for when I go back to Australia.” Added Jesse.

“Getting to Wembley this year was pretty big the things we had to overcome to even get to Wembley was awesome. There’s a lot of good moments but I haven’t really sat down and thought about it.

“I love what I do, whether that’s a good day or a bad day, I always see the positive in it and here at Castleford, it’s always positive.

“When the tough times come we ride in together the unity between the players is awesome. Like any club we all go through the downs and the ups together, bringing that same energy every day and to try and get those small wins that will make massive memories forever.”