Shenton will come up against Leeds' vastly experienced Keith Senior and their new Australian recruit, Brett Delaney, in one of many intriguing head to heads set to take place in the game.
But his focus is also on how the Tigers perform.
He said: "Of course Leeds are a very good team with talented players but we can't afford to dwell upon that.
"We have got to focus upon our own game and build upon the steps we took in 2009. For myself it was a great year, reaching the play offs with Cas and then gaining selection for the England squad. Playing in those big games was tremendous and it's something that I want to repeat.
"But I don't want all the focus to be upon me, we have a number of local young players who are all in with a real chance of representing England at the end of the season and I'm sure they will all be out to make their mark this season - and where better to start than against the reigning champions?
"Friday night at Headingley will be a great atmosphere, especially if we have a strong following of Cas fans, and having tasted that kind of atmosphere in the autumn I'm looking forward to another special occasion and another challenge."
Castleford are looking for their first win over Leeds Rhinos at Headingley since two tries from Jon Wells helped them to victory in 2002. Ryan Hudson remains at the club from that night while five of the Leeds line-up are still part of the Rhinos set-up.