Michael Shenton hopes to put into practice what he learned at St Helens by destroying their Wembley dream.

Captain Castleford admitted that his two seasons on the other side of the Pennine Mountains were eye-opening. This almost taught him how to become a big-name player in a big game.

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Now on Saturday, after bringing Darryl Powell to coach eight years ago to help elevate the Tigers to the next level, this experience could help him guide his hometown club to win the Challenge Cup glory.

Shenton, the center who played for the Saints in 2011 and 2012, said: “The main lesson is about their culture and their leaders.

“People like Paul Wellens, Jon Wilkin and James Graham. How good they are and what it means to them-this is their club.

“It doesn’t matter who the coach is, they are the bearers of acceptable and unacceptable standards. Victory is everything.

“When I left, Cas was not like that. Seeing this and seeing how they push it through the chat in the video conference, and how they play on the court, these are things I want to bring back.

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“It is difficult to bring him into another club, but when Darryl came here, he was like that anyway. Even now, he is also the standard bearer, the one who sets the standards so high and demands so high People.

“This fits my mindset. This is something I can help push forward by taking on more leadership roles.”

Shenton was one of the players who dropped their children from school to prevent any Covid-19 drama from ruining Castleford’s preparations for its first cup victory since 1986.

Seven-year-old Seb studied at home for a week while his mother continued to be a teacher. His father admitted: “This is not something I can tolerate!”

If all goes well, Cass will be better prepared than they did in the final final of 2014-not going to the Costa branch next to Wembley on the morning of the game will be a start!

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The 34-year-old Shenton added in his last season as a player that he lost 10-23 to Leeds United: “This is related to the experience of the players, coaches and clubs at the time. Those who run it are also newcomers back then .

“As a club, this is something we have never experienced before. Teams like Leeds, St Helens and Wigan spent a lot of time in the finals and training, such as leaving a few days early, what equipment and photos do you need.

“I think we just let it happen. We did a good job in this area, but this time we are better prepared and we have a better understanding of what is about to happen.

“But we know that we have to be very good. Sometimes you may get caught up in what might happen, but that doesn’t get the job done.”