Strong squad named for Shenton testimonial

The Tigers’ Head Coach has identified the game against the Wolfpack as a big pre-season test for the whole squad and a great opportunity to piece together what the 2020 starting line-up might look like.

“We’ve got a few new players in there and it’s important that we get all those guys playing in the same team together before we get into the season for real. We’ve done a lot of work in practice, 13 on 13, so real game practice situations but this is the real thing and there’s no substitute for that.” WATCH: Tigers TV sat down with Daryl Powell to preview the match and discuss pre-season so far.

Fords fans are set to get their first looks at 2020 recruits Sosaia Feki and George Griffin in the Tigers’ final pre-season match, plus Michael Shenton himself will mark his return to action for the first time since suffering an injury in April 2019. There will also be plenty of familiar faces on show in the club’s first home match of 2020 to run out alongside their longtime captain and teammate.

Teaming up with Shenton in the backs and hoping to service him with plenty of ball on his big day will be the debut halfback pairing of Jake Trueman and Danny Richardson. The young duo have gelled well in training and will be aiming to create plenty of openings out wide against a tough Toronto defence which suffered just a single league loss last season.

However all eyes will be on the Castleford captain this Sunday as he celebrates the next step in his journey with the Tigers: While appearing in over 300 games and scoring over 100 tries during his time at the Jungle, Shenton’s storied career has included a National League 1 promotion, leading the team out at Wembley, and hoisting the League Leaders’ Shield.

After unveiling his testimonial shirt which pays tributes to his rugby league beginnings and his Castleford success earlier this week, Shenton has had time to take in the many messages of support which have been streaming in on Tigers’ social media channels from fellow players and coaches.

Supporters are encouraged to make their way down to Wheldon Road on Sunday ahead of the 2.00pm kick off to celebrate our captain’s achievements and cheer on the Tigers with the new season just around the corner.

TICKET INFORMATION

The Tigers take on the Toronto Wolfpack at 2:00pm on Sunday, January 19th. Tickets are available now from Tigers retail stores priced at £15 for adults and £10 for concessions when purchased in advance. Matchday prices will be £16 for adults and £11 for concessions. Please note admission to Michael Shenton’s testimonial is not included in season ticket packages.

CASTLEFORD TIGERS 20-MAN SQUAD VS TORONTO WOLFPACK

Cheyse Blair
James Clare
Greg Eden
Sosaia Feki
George Griffin
Tyla Hepi
Oliver Holmes
Nathan Massey
Peter Mata’utia
Paul McShane
Grant Millington
Adam Milner
Jacques O’Neil
Derrell Olpherts
Lewis Peachey
Jordan Rankin
Danny Richardson
Jesse Sene-Lefao
Michael Shenton
Jake Trueman