Hull FC vs Cas: Match Preview

The match at the MKM Stadium is scheduled for a 7:45pm kick-off and the fixture will also be shown live on Sky Sports Arena with coverage starting at 7:15pm.

Both sides come into the contest on the back of local derby victories over Wakefield and Hull KR respectively, so it is geared up to be a fierce battle between Yorkshire rivals.

GOING FOR FOUR WINS IN A ROW

The Fords have certainly hit a purple patch this month and with several first team regulars returning to the side after injury, they have strung together three impressive victories on the spin.

It was at Emerald Headingley where the run began as the Tigers put Rhinos to the sword under the lights. Greg Eden scored his first try of many this month on his return to the side to open the scoring before Peter Mata’utia went over to extended Cas’ lead.

Leeds got back into the game before half-time through Rob Lui and they got even closer through Ash Handley who scored the first try of the second 40. However, the Fords were clinical and got some breathing space thanks to Jordan Turner and Eden’s brace. Brad Dwyer pulled one back for Rhinos late on, but Cas hit on the counter with Leeds pushing for another score in the final seconds, with Jimmy Keinhorst touching down after Niall Evalds’ brake forward.

Next up was the reigning Betfred Super League Champions St. Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium, and the Tigers made history by defeating Saints away for the first time in over 30 years.

Jack Welsby touched down for the first try of the fixture, but Castleford finished the first half the stronger and struck through Eden as the Tigers lead at the break thanks to Danny Richardson’s conversion.

Oliver Holmes extended the visitors’ advantage in the second half, but the Fords were made to sweat in the closing stages after Alex Walmsley barged over. However, a fantastic intercept in the final minute from Eden allowed the winger to run the full length of the field to secure the win.

Castleford made it a hat-trick of victories with a 16th straight win over bitter rivals Wakefield Trinity at The Jungle last week.

Eden and Holmes got the Tigers off to a flyer before Tinirau Arona cut the hosts’ lead in half. Derrell Olpherts finished in the corner to reclaim the Fords’ commanding lead which was followed up early in the second half by Eden’s second of the night.

The Tigers were made to work for their victory after Tom Johnstone and Lee Kershaw both crossed, but the hosts held on to keep the Adam Watene Trophy at Wheldon Road.

Daryl Powell’s men will be eager to grasp their fourth win on the bounce to boost their top six hopes and dent Hull FC’s in the process.

TIGERS TEAM NEWS

Castleford Tigers’ Head Coach has named an unchanged 21-man squad declaration from last Saturday night’s derby win over Wakefield Trinity.

THE OPPOSITION

Brett Hodgson’s side will be full of confidence after a thrilling Hull derby victory last weekend as they toppled KR 23-22.

FC went through a slightly sticky patch at the end of July and into August as they lost four games consecutively against the likes of Huddersfield, Leeds, St. Helens and Catalans Dragons before that much needed derby win.

The Airlie Birds will be eyeing a league double over the Tigers after coming from behind to secure a 12-30 triumph at The Jungle back in June.

POWELL’S PREVIEW

On Wednesday Head Coach Daryl Powell addressed the media and claimed that his side are up for the task.

“We’ve got a reasonably healthy squad now and I am able to rest some players which is important with the fixture list coming up. It is starting to squeeze up in and around the play-off spots, so the last three fixtures have done us the world of good. We are looking forward to the challenge of it because they have done a number on us the last couple of years. It is a good opportunity to put a marker down.”

PLAYER’S VIEW

Cas #31 Gareth O’Brien was on press duty this week and the half-back explained that there is huge motivation in the camp to finish this term strongly.

“There has been a switch in mentality because there is a chance to win a trophy and it is in our hands. There’s a huge belief that we can get into the six, we’ve got the wind in our sails, and we’ll take a lot from those three wins. All these games are must-wins and non-more so than at Hull. It is going to be a tough game because it is always tough at Hull but we’ve prepared well and we are looking forward to it. If we play like we have been playing, we’ll definitely be in with a crack of winning the game.”

THE SQUADS

Hull FC: 1. Jake Connor, 2. Bureta Faraimo, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 5. Mahe Fonua, 7. Marc Sneyd, 8. Scott Taylor, 9. Danny Houghton, 10. Chris Satae, 11. Andre Savelio, 12. Manu Ma’u, 13. Ligi Sao, 14. Jordan Johnstone, 16. Jordan Lane, 17. Brad Fash, 19. Ben McNamara, 20. Jack Brown, 21. Adam Swift, 22. Josh Bowden, 23. Connor Wynne, 24. Cameron Scott, 29. Jamie Shaul

Castleford Tigers: 1. Niall Evalds, 2. Derrell Olpherts, 3. Peter Mata’utia, 7. Danny Richardson, 8. Liam Watts, 9. Paul McShane, 10. Grant Millington, 11. Oliver Holmes, 12. Cheyse Blair, 13. Adam Milner, 14. Nathan Massey, 15. George Griffin, 17. Alex Foster, 19. Tyla Hepi, 21. Jesse Sene-Lefao, 22. Daniel Smith, 23. Greg Eden, 24. Suaia Matagi, 25. Jordan Turner, 31. Gareth O’Brien, 33. Jason Qareqare

HOW TO WATCH

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Arena with kick-off scheduled at 7:45pm.

If you are wanting to attend the game, Castleford supporters can purchase tickets online at castlefordtigers.com/tickets, at our Carlton Lanes and our store at The Jungle, and by contacting the ticket office on 01977529264.

GET INVOLVED

Wherever you are cheering on the Tigers, get in touch with the club on social media and use the hashtags: #ReadyToRoar or #COYF.