Match Preview: Rhinos vs Tigers

The Tigers will be aiming for back-to-back wins following Thursday night’s 38-24 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens, a result which was needed after a difficult period for the Fords. It was the second win following the restart of Super League back in August with a number of close and tight matches, but now it’s all about kicking on to finish the season strongly and the derby against Leeds presents a great opportunity to do that.

Following the match against the Robins four days ago the Fords will be without Nathan Massey, Jacques O’Neill and Adam Milner who all picked up injuries, youngsters Brad Martin and Bailey Hodsgon who made their top-flight debuts will also miss out due to a head knock and a knee injury respectively. Michael Shenton has also been dropped out of the squad as Daryl Powell revealed on Sunday, you can watch the full interview over on Tigers TV, however, the Head Coach has been boosted by the return of some senior Tigers to his 21-man team.

Liam Watts, Oliver Holmes, James Clare, Matt Cook and Gareth O’Brien have been cleared for selection and could make their returns to matchday action following injuries and Tyla Hepi is also back after serving his one-match suspension notice.

There could be another debut with Cain Robb called up into the team for the first time in 2020, Robb is another one of the Tigers’ Academy players who has been training with the First Team in recent months. An England Youth international, Cain could also be the fourth debutant in Cas colours from the past month following on from Jack Sanderson, Bailey Hodgson and Brad Martin.

Originally this game was scheduled to take place on October 9th but due to positive Covid-19 tests, track and trace protocols and a heavy injury list, the Tigers would have only been able to field at most 16 men. Hull FC were on standby for that round of matches and stepped in to fulfil the fixture and switched with Cas which round they would face Leeds in.

The last time the Tigers faced Leeds at their home ground was back in May 2019, a strong performance saw Cas take home the two points with 8-30 victory.

Leeds have done well since the restart and currently sit 5th in the league table, just outside the play-off positions and will view this game as a vital step in their hunt to be involved in the post-season. A week last Saturday, the Rhinos also became the winners of the 2020 Coral Challenge Cup against Salford. After resting the majority of that Cup-winning squad Richard Agar has brought back in 16 of the men who lifted to the trophy at Wembley, including former Tiger Luke Gale.

Your Monday night entertainment is sorted then! Two fierce rivals collide in a derby clash, both with points to prove as the close of the season approaches. Bring. It. On.

WHEN: Monday 26th October – kick-off at 7.45pm

WHERE: Emerald Headingley Stadium

HOW TO WATCH: Live on Sky Sports Arena (Channel 408) and Season Ticket holders who registered to watch via OURLEAGUE will be able to tune in using their stream codes on the app/website.

GET INVOLVED: Cheer the Tigers on throughout the day on social media using #ReadyToRoar

Castleford Tigers 21-man squad: 2. Derrell Olpherts, 4. Michael Shenton, 6. Jake Trueman, 7. Danny Richardson, 8. Liam Watts, 9. Paul McShane, 11. Oliver Holmes, 12. Mike McMeeken, 15. Jesse Sene-Lefao, 17. Alex Foster, 18. Cheyse Blair, 19. Daniel Smith, 20. Junior Moors, 21. James Clare, 23. Matt Cook, 24. Tyla Hepi, 25. Greg Eden, 27. Lewis Peachey, 34. Gareth O’Brien, 36. Dan Fleming, 37. Cain Robb

Leeds Rhinos 21-man squad: 1. Jack Walker, 2. Tom Briscoe, 4. Konrad Hurrell, 5. Ash Handley, 6. Rob Lui, 7. Luke Gale, 8. Ava Seumanufagai, 9. Kruise Leeming, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Alex Mellor, 12. Rhyse Martin, 14. Brad Dwyer, 15. Liam Sutcliffe, 16. Richie Myler, 19. Mikolaj Oldeski, 20. Bodene Thompson, 22. Cameron Smith, 24. Luke Briscoe, 25. James Donaldson, 26. Alex Sutcliffe, 28. Tom Holroyd