Will Paul McShane be missed?

McShane is suspended for three games.

It was announced yesterday that Paul McShane would miss the next three Castleford Tigers games after receiving a three-match suspension. 

McShane pleaded guilty but challenged the grading for the intentional use of his forearm/elbow.  

The tribunal found that the grading was sufficient but took into consideration the players’ previous record, no injury caused and the players immediate remorse by checking Richie Myler on the field of play. 

McShane is Super League’s Mr. Consistent, last year, McShane won Tigers’; Fans’ Player of the Year, Directors Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year. 

Daryl Powell’s men have currently lost two games on the bounce and would have been looking to McShane to provide some inspiration in turning the side back to winning ways. 

The influential hooker has only missed two games for Castleford in the last three seasons and won’t be back for Tigers until Easter Monday – the only positive Powell could take out of the suspension is McShane will be fresh for that game against Catalans Dragons as they play two games in four days. 

McShane’s influence in 2019 has enabled him to be in the running for the rebranded Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award, he’s currently in fifth place three points behind James Roby at the summit of the standings. 

His suspension will cost him three-games without a chance to win Man of Steel points, he’s currently top of the try assist leader board with nine assists, he’s made 45 runs from dummy half and 255 tackles. 

His side are currently third in the table two points behind Warrington in second and four points behind the unbeaten St Helens. McShane will be another huge miss to add to Luke Gale who’s out for the entirety of the season.