To kick off the Easter programme, Castleford host Wakefield. Trinity will be looking for their fourth win on the bounce whilst the Tigers will want to bounce back from last week’s defeat against Huddersfield. Here’s everything you need to know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers will be looking to bounce back from recent bad form when they take on their nearest and dearest rivals Wakefield Trinity at the Mend A Hose Jungle.
The Tigers were defeated last week by Huddersfield Giants in a tense but entertaining game.
Heading into this week’s clash against Wakefield, the Tigers have won just two of their last six games, having beaten Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils within that time frame.
Wakefield Trinity
Having secured a impressive win over defending Super League champions Wigan Warriors in the last round, Wakefield will be looking to make it five wins from seven when they face the Tigers.
At times, Trinity have struggled this season but they have managed to find a level of professionalism in the past few weeks, with Chris Chester’s side now lying fourth in the table with a chance of leapfrogging Castleford into third place.
Trinity have also had some positive news this week as well, with Kyle Wood and David Fifita both signing long term contract extensions which creates a much needed boost.
SQUAD NEWS
Castleford
The Tigers last week announced the signing of Cheyse Blair from Melbourne Storm, a player who will no doubt strengthen Castleford on their left-hand edge, where they have often struggled this season. However, his visa is still being processed and he will not feature against Wakefield.
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Matt Cook, Tuoyo Egodo and Grant Millington all drop out of the squad after the Tigers narrow defeat to Huddersfield Giants but Nathan Massey returns to the 19 man squad after a stint on the sidelines.
Castleford squad: Aston, Clare , Clark, Eden, Holmes, Maher, Massey, Mata’utia, McMeeken, Milner, Minikin, Moors, O’Neill, Sene-Lefao, Shenton, Smith, Trueman, Turner, Watts.
Wakefield
After picking up injuries last week against Wigan, Danny Brough, Jacob Miller and Anthony England are all sidelined for Wakefield.
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However, there’s some positive news on the injury front as Kyle Wood and Reece Lyne are both set to feature despite being forced off the field last week. Returning to the club this week is Mason Caton-Brown, who goes straight into the squad.
Wakefield squad: Annakin, Arona, Arundel, Ashurst, Caton-Brown, Crowther, Fifita, Hampshire, Hirst, Horo, Jones-Bishop, Jowitt, King, Kirmond, Kopczak, Lyne, Pauli, Reynolds, Wood
HEAD TO HEAD
Wakefield have not had the best of run-ins against Castleford in recent years, losing narrowly 11-6 last season. Trinity’s last win over the Tigers was back in 2015 when they came away 24-22 victors.
The Tigers will be looking to extend their run against Wakefield to twelve straight wins as well.
KEY BATTLE
Castleford are no doubt the favourites going into Thursday night’s game but Wakefield cannot be taken lightly by any stretch of the margin.
Wakefield have a strong defence with a pack that has strength over speed, especially when it comes to David Fifita. who last week scored a stunning try after running 40 metres down the wing to score.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have a young and developing squad, especially with Jake Trueman in the halves. However he started at Bradford Bulls and came through the under 19’s at Castleford.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Thursday 18th April
Venue: Mend A Hose Jungle
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Referee: Chris Kendall
WHO WILL WIN?
Castleford by 16
