CASTLEFORD coach Graham Steadman is backing his former boss Stuart Raper to turn around the fortunes of ailing giants Wigan.

Raper, who faces his old team in Saturday's intriguing first Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup semi-final at Headingley, has come under increasing pressure following the Warriors' woeful start to the season.

Although they are in the last four of the cup and favourites to triumph at Murrayfield on April 27, Wigan have lost half their opening six Super League matches, two of them at home, to drop out of the top four.

An identical start to the 1997 Super League campaign ultimately cost coach Eric Hughes his job in the Wigan hotseat while three defeats in their first 10 league games of last season was enough to earn Raper's predecessor Frank Endacott the sack.

Steadman, who was Raper's assistant for three seasons before stepping into his shoes last May, believes the shrewd Australian has the ability to ride the storm.

"I know Stuart very well and I don't think he'll be feeling the pressure because he believes in what he's doing," said Steadman.

"All he wants is the full support from his team."

Steadman, of course, will be hoping that Wigan's revival does not start on Saturday, when they will be seeking to reach their first cup final since their fateful appearance against Sheffield Eagles in 1998.

They were shock victims that day and they go into the Headingley semi-final desperately hoping to avoid a third successive defeat for the first time for five years.

Steadman added: "They're wounded and they're proud people associated with Wigan so they'll be looking to bounce back at our expense.

"Knowing Stuart as I do, he will have the guys fired up. For whatever reason, they've certainly not fired on all cylinders of late. We've been in a similar position but we're just turning the corner."

Castleford, who lost to Wigan in their last cup final appearance 10 years ago, go into Saturday's game in buoyant mood after their 74-16 thrashing of Salford on Sunday.

Former Wigan centre Barrie-Jon Mather made his comeback in that match and looks set to claim at least a substitute spot against his old club.

The Tigers hope to be at full strength for the first time this season, although Steadman has a couple of injury doubts he needs to resolve before naming his team.