Chase shines as Castleford go top
Terry Matterson saw Nick Youngquest score two tries as Castleford demolished Salford 52-20 - but it was New Zealander Rangi Chase and not the Australian who most caught his eye.
Youngquest, a relative flop in the NRL failing to cut it at five clubs in six seasons, took his tally of tries for the Tigers, who he joined from the Crusaders in the close season, to eight in the win.
Joe Arundel also bagged a double as Castleford ran in nine to launch themselves to the top of the Super League table - level on 14 points with Huddersfield who saw off Warrington 29-10.
But rather than bask in Youngquest's continued form for his new club Matterson was in awe of ex-St George Illawarra Dragon Chase, who was instrumental in the Tigers dominance.
"Rangi is playing as well as I have seen him play," said Matterson. "We know he has got his bag of tricks but I like the way he is playing with a lot of control.
"He is also getting us round the field and he is not overplaying. He's worked really hard on being a team player and I couldn't ask for anything more. I thought his defence was a big improvement as well.
"But I know what's coming down the track and it's going to really test us over the Easter period. We've just been talking about each game and we are focusing on our next game against Harlequins."
Meanwhile Catalan Dragons coach Trent Robinson believes former Australian international Steve Menzies is getting better with age after he scored twice in the shock 47-28 rout of champions Wigan.
The 37-year-old, who made nearly 300 appearances in two spells for Manly and is in his final playing season, was one of three players to cross twice for the Dragons at the DW Stadium.
Ex-Newcastle Knights half-back Scott Dureau, who also contributed 15 points with the boot, and Frederic Vaccari were the other two as the French outfit ran in eight tries to Wigan's five.
"I haven't seen a player like Steve," said Robinson - who also singled out compatriot Dureau, hospitalised after the Dragons last match against Warrington, for praise.
"I had a chance to be at a club when Andrew Johns was there but he is the best I have ever seen in a different way.
"And Scott is playing really nice footy at the moment too. He is leading us around the park and kicking well. He was really important to get across the line."
And Hull KR coach Justin Morgan followed suit in highlighting the performance of skipper and ex-Parramatta Eels front-row Mick Vella after their 38-28 win over Leeds.
The 33-year-old scored the first of Rovers' seven tries ,his first for almost two years while it was also his first match back from four out with a knee injury, and Morgan said: "It is great to see him back.
"His performance was good and his leadership was excellent. He gives us a bit of a steady ship. When you look over your shoulder and see Mick Vella there it gives you a lift."
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