Huddersfield travel to third-placed Castleford looking to secure their spot in the top 8 with a win in this Yorkshire derby. Here’s everything you need to know.
SQUAD NEWS
Castleford Tigers
Daryl Powell has made three changes to his side from last weeks victory against Salford. Joe Wardle , Gadwin Springer and Tuoyo Egodo make way for Jamie Ellis, Nathan Massey and Lewis Peachey.
Castleford have won four out of the last six and could be set to give Lewis Peachey his debut, with the 17-year old second rower hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow youngster Callum Turner, who made a barnstorming star to his Super League career.
Castleford Tigers 19-man squad: Clare, Clark, Cook, Eden, Ellis, Gill, Holmes, Laulu-Togaga’e, Massey, McShane, Millington, Milner, Moors, Peachey, Sene-Lefao, Shenton, Trueman, Watts, Webster
Huddersfield Giants
Simon Woolfood has made one change to his side following their victory last week against Wigan. With Ukuma Ta’ai replacing Jake Wardle.
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Huddersfield have enjoyed a purple patch of late, winning five out of the last six games, the only blemish coming against Hull KR. Because of this good form, so long as they avoid defeat in this game, they are guaranteed a top eight spot.
Huddersfield Giants 19-man squad: Mamo, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Turner, Murphy, Gaskell, Brough, Lawrence, Hinchcliffe, Ferguson, Rankin, Roberts, Ta’ai, Clough, Smith, O’Brien, Mellor, McIntosh, English
HEAD TO HEAD
The previous meeting this season between the two sides ended 40-28 in Castleford’s favour. However, when this fixture took place, Huddersfield were in a transitional period following the sacking of Rick Stone.
Since this meeting, Huddersfield have gone from a 2-1-7 record to a 9-1-11 record. In comparison, Castleford have gone from a 6-0-2, to a 14-1-6 record. The Tigers have had a slightly better record since the Round 10 meeting although this game could go either way as both teams will be desperately wanting the points in a bid to push further up the ladder.
KEY BATTLE- Greg Eden v Jermaine McGillvary
The battle of the wingers will be key in this game. In the Tigers corner is Greg Eden; last season’s top try scorer has had a much quieter season compared to the last campaign, with injuries stopping him from getting any scoring form.
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Although he is out of form, he can cause problems from all over the park and can finish in most situation. He will be hoping to rediscover his form of old going into the latter stages of the campaign.
Facing up against him will be England winger Jermaine McGillvary. The 30-year-old and Super League Veteran has a similar style to his opposite man, although they both have very different physiques.
He has scored a handful of tries in a injury hit 2018, so will be looking to take every chance he can get, and with his strong build, he will be looking to find the gap and get back to his try scoring ways.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: 20 July 2018
Venue: Mend-A-Hose Jungle
Kick-off: 19:45
Referee: Chris Kendall
WHO WILL WIN?
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