Castleford Tigers host Wakefield Trinity a week after being handed their first defeat of the season against Catalans. Jack Walker previews whether they will get back to winnings ways, or if Wakefield can back up last week’s win over Warrington with another on Friday night.
FORM
Castleford Tigers
Cas are one of only five sides to have won two of their opening three matches of 2020, but blew their chance to go top as they lost 38-18 in France against Catalans Dragons last week.
Derrell Olpherts, Cheyse Blair and James Clare all crossed, but it was nowhere near enough as the home side romped to victory.
Wakefield Trinity
Ryan Hampshire recorded a 100% scoring rate as he kicked five goals to give his side a monumental victory at home to Warrington Wolves last time out.
In terrible conditions and an even worse pitch, Trinity’s soldiers battled to the bitter end as they recorded their first win of the season.
SQUAD NEWS
Castleford Tigers
Friday’s hosts welcome back Peter Mata’utia, who returns having served a two-match ban.
Jesse Sene-Lefao, who has missed the past two games, has been named in the initial 21-man squad but coach Daryl Powell thinks he is more likely to feature next week.
Wakefield Trinity
Trinity Head Coach Chris Chester is expected name the same 17-man squad as that which beat Warrington Wolves 18-8 last time out.
Boosting their ranks are Jordan Crowther and George King – both are pushing for recalls after missing last week’s big win.
KEY STAT
Castleford won both games between the two sides last season. First, they edged a classic at the Jungle – winning 28-26 after withstanding an amazing Trinity fightback – before a far more routine win at the Mobile Rocket Stadium, triumphing 16-36 as James Clare scored a brilliant hattrick.
BATTLE TO WATCH
JAMES CLARE vs DANNY BROUGH
Both players scored in the last meeting between the two sides, with Clare scoring in the reverse fixture, too. The winger’s electric form at the start of 2020 makes him a threat to any defence and, given his record against Trinity, he will surely be the away side’s main cause for concern.
Brough’s kicking is far more dangerous than his try-scoring ability, but the diminutive hooker is still a threat from open play, as the Tigers found out last term. Given Castleford’s recent points totals against them, Trinity will need Brough to be on his A game in every department if they stand a chance of coming away with the win.
GAME DETAILS
Date: Friday 21st February 2020
Venue: Mend-A-Hose Jungle
Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
