HEAD TO HEAD

With Trinity securing promotion from the Betfred Championship, 2025 saw the long awaited return of the Cas/Wakey Derby. 

Castleford hold the edge in all time head to heads, winning 109 of the 209 matches contested between the two sides in all competitions. The Tigers also hold the record for the longest win streak, notching 17 victories in a row over their rivals between May 2015 and April 2022. 

Trinity have the edge when it comes to more recent meetings however, winning 2 of the 3 games between the sides last season, although Cas did take the points last time out with a 26-22 home victory in September. 

The first ever game between the two sides took place at Wheldon Road on Saturday 8th January 1927, with Trinity coming out on top 8-0 on that historic day. 

Previous 10 Meetings:
September 5th 2025 - Castleford Tigers 26-22 Wakefield Trinity
May 4th 2025 - Castleford Tigers 8-32 Wakefield Trinity (Magic Weekend)
April 17th 2025 - Wakefield Trinity 13-12 Castleford Tigers
August 18th 2023 - Wakefield Trinity 12-28 Castleford Tigers
April 6th 2023 - Castleford Tigers 16-4 Wakefield Trinity
July 29th 2022 - Castleford Tigers 6-32 Wakefield Trinity
April 14th 2022 - Wakefield Trinity 4-34 Castleford Tigers
August 21st 2021 - Castleford Tigers 23-18 Wakefield Trinity
June 16th 2021 - Wakefield Trinity 12-18 Castleford Tigers
February 21st 2020 - Castleford Tigers 32-15 Wakefield Trinity

(Castleford Tigers 7 Wins, Wakefield Trinity 3 Wins)

ONES TO WATCH

Krystian Mapapalangi - The 23 year old centre has the X Factor to unlock defences with his sleight of hand and decision making on the edge. Signed from Wests Tigers on a two year deal ahead of the 2026 season, Maps had an immediate impact on his return to the side against Bradford to follow up his man of the match performance on his Super League debut against Wigan Warriors. 

If he can continue where he left off against the Bulls this weekend, it will be a fruitful afternoon for his winger. 

George Lawler - Derby games can often come down to who wants it more. Forget the fancy set plays and sweeping moves, the forwards laying the platform for the backs to perform will be a crucial part of this match up. 

Lawler has the attributes and brute force to have an impact on Sunday's result, his blood and thunder approach and disregard for his own body in the middle of the park will go a long way to ensuring the Tigers play on the front foot this Easter. 

Oliver Pratt - The 21 year old centre is a man in form. 5 tries in his opening 5 Super League appearances, including a double against York Knights last time out, means the youngster will come to The OneBore Stadium full of confidence. Having come through the system at Belle Vue, Pratt will know what this fixture means to fans of both sides, and will be doing everything he can to secure bragging rights come 5 o'clock Sunday evening. 

Mike McMeeken - As previously stated, the team that wins the forward battle often wins the day. And Sunday's Derby will be no exception. Trinity will rely on the experience of McMeeken to carry into the heart of the Tigers defence to create space for the spine behind. 

With close to 300 senior appearances under his belt, the 31 year old former Tiger is a seasoned campaigner with plenty left in the tank, and the hosts will need to get to grips with him and lay down a marker early on to stifle Wakefield's attack. Controlling the ruck will be key. 

THE SEASON SO FAR

Castleford Tigers sit 13th on the Betfred Super League ladder after 2 wins from our opening 6 fixtures. A spirited start with narrow defeats to Wigan Warriors and Toulouse Olympique despite encouraging performances left things on rocky ground, before a big result over Huddersfield opened our account at The OneBore Stadium. 

Mounting injuries to key personnel led to a dip in form, defeat on the road at Leeds was followed by a reality check as a record equalling loss at Warrington Wolves left Cas with some soul searching to do. The perfect response followed with a win over Bradford Bulls under the lights, but the Tigers find themselves with work to do to climb the ranks in the Betfred Super League. 

On the flip side, Wakefield Trinity find themselves 4th in the table after a solid start to 2026. 4 wins from their opening 6 games, a close call on the road at bottom side Huddersfield Giants before one score victories over Hull FC and Leigh Leopards. 

LAST TIME OUT

Ryan Carr's side secured a much needed win in Round 6 of the Betfred Super League, downing newly promoted Bradford Bulls 40-28 at OneBore Stadium as the Tigers put in a determined performance to lock in our second league victory of 2026. Jason Qareqare's hattrick lit up the scoreboard as the Tigers posted seven tries on the night to head into the Easter Weekend with a renewed and restored confidence.

Wakefield earned their 4th league win of the 2026 campaign with a hard fought 26-14 triumph on the road at York Knights. Braces from Oliver Pratt and Tom Johnstone plus a further score from Caleb Hamlin-Uele helped Trinity to their third league victory on the bounce. Daryl Powell's men head to The OneBore Stadium in confident mood, and with both sides tasting success in their previous outings, it's set to be a blockbuster clash for the two points this Easter Derby Sunday.

THIS SUNDAY

The first meeting of three set for 2026 as rivals round sees Trinity make the short journey to The OneBore Stadium. There's plenty of pre match action and entertainment to get you pumped and ready for kick off. 

Join us in the Tigers Fan Zone from 12pm and we have plenty of activities for all ages including Easter Egg Hunt, Face painting, Live Music, DJ, Games and Competitions with Wagga, Beer Offers, Player Appearances and Legends Q&As, make sure you get down early and enjoy the festivities. 

Tickets for the Easter Sunday Derby are available now. Click here to secure yours today