Before they have played a game most bookmakers have the Tigers down to finish 11th in 2010 with odds of 100/1 quoted to win the competition, but although many fancy Warrington, Bradford, Hull and Catalans to improve on last year Castleford do have stability on their side with only prop Chris Feather missing from their regular 2009 first team squad and two proven Super League performers added in Paul Jackson and Steve Snitch.
The Tigers are also hopeful of getting a full season out of key playmakers Ryan Hudson and Brent Sherwin after both missed a big percentage of last season through injury.
Coach Terry Matterson is excited at the prospect of a new season and at the prospect of his side improving again on 2009.
He said: "We understand the challenges ahead. Teams like Warrington, Hull and Bradford all under-achieved last year and have bought really well. Everyone is tipping them to be in the top eight, but we're confident we can build on what we did last year.
"We haven't made too many changes, although we're pleased with the two acquisitions we've made. Paul Jackson and Steve Snitch will add to the team.
"Because we had so many new players the year before, I feel they're still finding their way in our team and every one of them can be better for us as well. I'm not going to make any wild predictions, but the squad is well settled and enthusiastic about the new season and with a little luck on the injury front I feel that we can have another good campaign.
"We are looking to make the semi-finals again because you then give yourself a chance of going forward. Where we'll finish I don't know, but we want to finish as high as we can. We will be trying to win every week.
"If we can do it again and give ourselves a chance of winning a semi-final - or maybe two - then it will be fantastic."
With the fixture list handing Castleford a difficult opening they will have to be at their best from the off, but Matterson remains unworried at the task ahead.
He added: "It's a tough start, but all games are tough these days. Leeds, Warrington, Bradford, Hull KR then Hull are our first five games and it's formidable, but you have got to play them some time and why not now?
"We beat Bradford twice last year, we all but beat Leeds at home and we beat Hull FC twice. We know that some of those sides will have improved, but we'd like to think that we'll improve as well. We've a good mix of experience and youth and I'm looking for a big season from the some of the younger guys like Johnny Davies, who's really put himself in the picture.
"Your squad gets tested throughout the year. Hopefully, touch wood, we'll get a good run with injuries, but the young guys are going to get an opportunity some way down the track - and I'm excited about them getting opportunities - then it's up to them to make the most of it."
l Castleford Tigers Supporters Club have made another donation to the club. A cheque for £2,500 - which takes the total donated by CTSC to over £35,000 since formation in 2004 - was handed over at the recent annual meeting and will be used towards buying training equipment.