CASTLEFORD coach Daryl Powell has backed Super League stalwart Andy Lynch to play on into his late thirties and emulate the success of the legendary Steve Menzies.

Lynch will celebrate his illustrious career with a testimonial match against the Bulls at Wheldon Road on Sunday, a game that will see Luke Gale make his first appearance for the Tigers.

Powell has paid tribute to ex-Bradford skipper Lynch, who spent seven seasons at Odsal before being sold to Hull FC for a six-figure sum at the end of the 2011 campaign as the club's financial problems began to unfold.

Powell then brought Lynch back to Castleford, the club where he began his career, before the start of last season and he went on to enjoy an outstanding campaign as the Tigers reached the Challenge Cup final and finished fourth in the table.

"People talk about Jamie Peacock, and rightly so because he's been a massive part of Super League for years, but I think Lynchy is up there with him," Powell told the T&A.

"Andy's form for Castleford last year was outstanding. He's one of those players who has been in the game so long and been so consistent, so he rivals Jamie Peacock as one of the outstanding players of the modern era.

"Andy was a big part of what we did last year. He's very professional in the way he goes about his business and people want to follow that kind of example.

"His work ethic during pre-season last year was a big part in setting the standards here for what we went on to achieve."

Lynch turned 35 in October but, given the way he performed last season, Powell cannot see his key prop retiring any time soon.

The Tigers boss said: "He'll take it a year at a time, which is how you tend to when you get to Andy's age, but he can certainly go on into his late thirties like Steve Menzies. I don't think there is any doubt about that because he's as fit as ever.

"Injury-wise, touch wood, he's been pretty healthy and he sets the standards in training. He's right up there at the front of the pack in everything we do from a physical perspective. When you can do that, it enables you to play at the top of your game.

"He set a foundation for our pack last year and I could have probably left him out there for 80 minutes at times.

"His engine is so good that he can continue to play the full game, which is pretty tough in the middle of the park. It's testament to his fitness and durability that he can do that.

"He was the standard-bearer among some other very good performers in our pack, such as Daryl Clark and Grant Millington, who were superb as well. But Lynchy was the real foundation."

Powell, meanwhile, is looking forward to giving Gale a run-out following the scrum half's move to Wheldon Road after three years at Bradford.

Powell, whose side beat Featherstone in their opening friendly on December 28, said: "Luke has been superb during pre-season.

"In terms of the people we have recruited, he's right at the top of the tree at the moment from a physical perspective and leadership in what he can do in games.

"He's not played for us yet but he will be playing against Bradford at the weekend. It will be good to see him in a Castleford jersey and to really build his game up moving forward.

"I think it's perfect for Luke. It's great for Lynchy, first and foremost, to play against his old club for a club he started out at. For someone like Galey, as another ex-Bradford player, it's great for him too."