Castleford Tigers looking to remain unbeaten when they take on Hull KR at Mend-A-Hose in Round 4 of Super League.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Castleford Tigers
The Tigers began their season well, gaining three wins out of three against Catalans, Hull FC and London Broncos. Castleford’s defence has been one of the best in the league so far conceding just 28 points in their opening three rounds as they will be looking to put another good shift on Friday against Tim Sheens’ Rovers.
Hull KR
Rovers have had a different start to the season, winning a blockbuster Hull derby in round one when Jimmy Keinhorst crossed over with six seconds left of the game to hand the Robins a famous victory.
They then went on to lose to the Warrington Wolves who sit second in the Super League table. In their third game they defeated newly promoted London Broncos before losing to the Salford Red Devils last weekend.
However, they have conceded 80 points which in comparison to Castelford’s shows how far the Tigers are in front of the Red and Whites when it comes to defence.
SQUAD NEWS
Castleford Tigers
Daryl Powell has made one change to the squad that faced London Broncos at the weekend with Adam Milner on the sidelines as he suffered a minor injury when the Tigers travelled to the capital. Youngster Lewis Peachey comes in to replace the England international.
Castleford 19-man squad:ย Cory Aston, James Clare, Chris Clarkson, Matt Cook, Greg Eden, Tuoyo Egodo, Nathan Massey, Peter Mata’utia, Paul McShane, Grant Millington, Greg Minikin, Junior Moors, Jacques O’Neill, Lewis Peachey, Jordan Rankin, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Michael Shenton, Jake Trueman, Liam Watts.
Hull KR
The loss of Joel Tomkins to a two-week ban is a huge blow for Hull KR.ย Will Oakes has been named in the nineteen man squad and could break through for his first game of the season. After suffering a concussion against Salford, James Greenwood is now available to play and has been named in the squad.
Hull KR 19-man squad: Danny Addy, Chris Atkin, Will Dagger, Josh Drinkwater, Mitch Garbutt, James Greenwood, Craig Hall, Weller Hauraki, Lee Jewitt, Jimmy Keinhorst, Ryan Lannon, Tommy Lee, Kane Linnett, Mose Masoe, Danny McGuire, Robbie Mulhern, Will Oakes, Ryan Shaw, Junior Vaivai.
HEAD TO HEAD
Castleford’s battles with Hull KR have been steeped in history with the two sides most notable meeting coming in 1986 Challenge Cup.
In Super League though it is the Tigers who have the best form against Hull KR with Powell’s side winning each meeting between 2013 and 2015 before the Robins grabbed to date their sole victory over Castleford in 2016 with a 58-16 win.
Their last meeting was on the June 17, with the two teams playing out an entertaining 24-24 result.
KEY BATTLE
This match could prove vital for both side’s play off hopes, most importantly for Hull Kingston Rovers as they look to show themselves as possible play off contenders. Meanwhile for Castleford it is an opportunity for them them to go two points clear at the top of the Super League table if other results go their way.
A key player to watch for the Tigers will be Liam Watts who has impressed fans this season, making a already solid defence even stronger. The 28 year old joined Castleford in the middle of 2018 from Hull FC having fallen out of place, but he has been an ever improving player and will be vital to guiding the West Yorkshire side to victory.
Former Toronto Wolfpack winger Craig Hall will be one to watch for Hull KR, having also joined towards the end of the 2018 season. He has brought experience to Tim Sheens side and added pace to a position that they have struggled in the last few seasons.
Not only is Hall an attack player he is also key to Hull KR’s defence having proved his worth on than one occasion.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday, March 1 2019
Venue: Mend A Hose Jungle
Kick-off: 19:45 (GMT)
Referee:ย G Hewer
WHO WILL WIN?
Castleford by 10
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