Betfred Super League Statement - June 28

In addition to a lengthy injury list among their senior squad, the Tigers have a number of young players with first team experience unavailable for selection as close contacts of a single Covid-19 positive – and separately, their Academy squad have all been advised to isolate as a result of two further positive tests.

The match has been awarded to St Helens with a 24-0 victory because Castleford do not meet the threshold for a postponement under the Covid-19 framework of seven senior players unavailable as a direct result of positive tests or as close contacts.

Castleford Tigers has issued the following statement:

Castleford Tigers are devastated that Wednesday night’s Betfred Super League match against St Helens has been cancelled. The Club will be looking to publish further details regarding supporters’ tickets to this fixture in the coming days.

The Tigers have just fourteen First Team players available for selection for the fixture on Wednesday due to injuries and following a young player within the First Team environment testing positive for COVID-19, which has resulted in seven of our young First Team environment players and joint First Team/Academy players needing to be stood down due to contact tracing protocols.

Castleford Tigers is confident that it can field a team for the Round 13 fixture of Betfred Super League 2021 against Huddersfield Giants on Tuesday, 6th July. This is due to a number of players becoming available following treatment of smaller scale injuries, and more of the Tigers young players within the First Team & Academy environments returning from self-isolation periods and being ready for selection.

The Club unfortunately cannot call upon more the Tigers Academy for Wednesday night’s match against St Helens due to two Academy players returning positive COVID-19 tests following a game last week, which has resulted in the Tigers Academy setup being shut down for 10 days.

All efforts were made by Castleford Tigers to try and get the Super League fixture played, but these unusual circumstances have resulted in its cancellation.

The Club would like to issue the following First Team squad update, with a significant number of players expected to be back for selection in the next couple of weeks.

Peter Mata’utia

Following his appearance for the Combined Nations All Stars against England last Friday night, Mata’utia has a slight groin strain.

Michael Shenton

Castleford’s captain during the match with Catalans Dragons last week suffered a minor knee injury.

Sosaia Feki

The winger unfortunately suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon injury during the pre-season and is still working on his rehabilitation from that injury, he continues to make progress.

Jake Trueman

A back problem has persisted for Trueman, who had an injection to try and ease his discomfort last week, he continues to be monitored.

Liam Watts

During last week’s match against Catalans Dragons, Watts suffered an injury to his shoulder which he played through, but the prop is likely to be out for a couple of weeks.

Paul McShane

Following his senior international debut for England against the Combined Nations All Stars last Friday night, McShane has a slight neck injury which he suffered during the game.

Grant Millington

The prop forward suffered an MCL knee injury in the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Salford and continues to work towards being back and ready for selection.

Oliver Holmes

Holmes has fluid around his knee following the last round against Catalans and was set to be checked over for a fitness test tomorrow morning.

Cheyse Blair

A hamstring issue has kept Cheyse Blair sidelined; he continues his recovery.

Alex Foster

During the match against Catalans Dragons last Thursday, Alex Foster was sent for an x-ray overnight which revealed he had suffered a fractured cheekbone. Foster will continue to be assessed.

Jacques O’Neill

Late in the match against Catalans Dragons in the last round, O’Neill pulled his hamstring and was helped off the field, checks are ongoing.

Jesse Sene-Lefao

In the Tigers’ away match against Wakefield Trinity a fortnight ago, Sene-Lefao pulled his hamstring during the game, it is hoped it is a short-term injury.

Greg Eden

The Castleford winger injured his hamstring in the home match against Leeds Rhinos.

Suaia Matagi

During the pre-season Matagi suffered a calf injury, after rehabbing and getting back to match fitness he was selected for last week’s Combined Nations All Stars squad and reaggravated that calf and will be assessed.

Jordan Turner & Gareth O’Brien

Both Turner & O’Brien failed their fitness checks today following injuries.

Jason Qareqare

Jason has had to self-isolate due to track and trace protocols following a positive COVID-19 test from a classmate at his school