SUPER LEAGUE PREVIEW | Round 8 | Wakefield Trinity vs Castleford Tigers
SQUAD NEWS
Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield have made three changes to their squad from last week’s game against Warrington with Tinirau Arona, Joe Arundel and Kyle Wood moving into the 19, with Danny Kirmond, David Fifita and James Batchelor the men to drop out.
After starting the season in spectacular fashion, winning their first four games, Wakefield have hit a roadblock in recent weeks with defeats at the hands of Wigan and Warrington.
However, sitting in 3rd place, it is promising times for Chris Chester’s side, who will hope to make a real statement of intent against their cross-county rivals in this round eight clash.
Wakefield 19-man squad: Arona, Arundel, Ashurst, Caton-Brown, England, Finn, Scott, Hampshire, Hirst, Horo, Huby, Johnstone, Jones-Bishop, Lyne, Miller, Pauli, Randell, Tupou, Wood.
Castleford Tigers
Daryl Powell makes one change to his side following last weeks nail-biting victory over Leeds Rhinos, as Oliver Holmes returns from his one-match ban, with Jy Hitchcox missing out.
Disruption to the Tigers Schedule has seen them play just five matches so far this season. However, after an opening round thrashing Powell’s men have bounced back in superb fashion winning four games in a row with notable wins over Hull FC and Leeds.
Castleford 19-man squad: Clare, Cook, Ellis, Foster, Gale, Green, Holmes, Massey, McMeeken, McShane, Millington, Milner, Minikin, Moors, Roberts, Shenton, Springer, Trueman, Webster.
HEAD TO HEAD
This is a tense rivalry that has been amped up recently as both sides have moved up the table to challenge for trophies.
http://gty.im/809928462
In fact, the last meeting between these two sides saw Castleford lift the League Leaders Shield, a comprehensive 45-20 win with Jake Webster crossing four times for his side.
History points towards nothing but a Tigers win, as they have racked up more than 40 points in five of the previous six encounters. However, Wakefield possess the ability to stun teams with their left edge making for an epic Easter showdown.
KEY BATTLE- Jacob Miller v Jamie Ellis
Whilst the battle of Luke Gale and Liam Finn will duly get focused on, their half-back partners could be key to unlocking this game.
Jacob Miller brings bite to Trinity’s attack, with partner Finn building the foundations.
The 25-year old can use his spectacular array of skills to create chances, whether it be jinking runs through the line, a kick behind or a bullet pass- Miller has shown he can pull it all off. His mercurial playing style could be huge if Wakefield can grab the win.
On the opposite side, Jamie Ellis has grown from strength to strength this season, epitomised in last week’s victory over Leeds, terrorising both flanks with his kicking game and linking up with Gale to grab his first try.
Ellis’ kicking game could be vital for Cas, turning a quick backline around and forcing Trinity to run from deep.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, March 29
Venue: The Mobile Rocket Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Referee: James Child
WHO WILL WIN?
[totalpoll id=”283123″]
SUPER LEAGUE MATCH REPORT | Wakefield Trinity 22 – 4 Huddersfield Giants
