Castleford forward Junior Moors defied doctor's orders to help his side pull off their 52-12 win over reigning Super League champions Leeds at Headingley, coach Daryl Powell has revealed.

The 29-year-old former Melbourne second rower produced an outstanding performance in the Tigers' stunning nine-try triumph, a week after playing a key role in their 32-18 Challenge Cup win over Salford, but if he adhered to medical advice he would not have made his comeback from a broken hand until next week.

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Also playing in Thursday's night match was loose forward Nathan Massey, just five days after dislocating a kneecap in the win over Salford and having it put back on the pitch.

"It's not soccer is it? That's for sure," Powell said. "He's a tough character.

"We've had quite a few examples. Junior Moors wanted to cut his cast off about three weeks earlier than when it actually came off. He shouldn't be playing until next week.

"The surgeon wasn't too happy when he told him last week that he'd be playing for two weeks and he's been just outstanding in the last two games.

"There's a commitment and real toughness about rugby league players that you have to admire."