Warriors vs Tigers: Match Preview

Originally this weekend was pencilled in as the Tigers taking on Toronto Wolfpack but following the Canadian club’s withdrawal from Betfred Super League 2020 it became a ‘bye weekend’ with no match action for Castleford, but the team would be placed on standby.

On Tuesday night the news came out that French side Catalans would not be facing Wigan as was scheduled due to having positive Covid-19 tests within their squad, we do send our best wishes to the Dragons, and Castleford would face the Warriors on Saturday. Now whilst this has given both clubs limited time to prepare for their opposition, it does mean the Fords only missed one week of competition rather than two after the postponement of the Round Six match against Hull FC last weekend.

Head Coach Daryl Powell has said he would rather be playing this week as it may help them down the track later in the season, you can listen to his full pre-match thoughts over on Tigers TV.

Fullback Gareth O’Brien has had a couple more weeks to settle into the squad after making an impressive second Castleford debut, Daniel Smith makes a welcome return to the matchday 21-man squad and is in contention to feature, plus Jake Trueman is also named after pulling out last minute in the previous round.

The Tigers will be looking to build on the outstanding effort shown against St Helens, which saw the game in the balance until the dying minutes at the home of the 2019 Champions in a high-quality, tight affair which finished 10-0. You can read the match report from that game HERE.

Back in February Castleford welcomed Wigan to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle for the Fords’ first home match of the season, a brilliant performance saw Cas earn two valuable league points by 16 points to 12. A victory which was made all the sweeter with the absence of several First Team players and young Tigers stepping up.

Since the season resumption, Wigan have won both of their matches, firstly surviving a Wakefield Trinity comeback when Harry Smith scored a drop goal in their 22-23 victory. Secondly, a steady performance to beat Leeds Rhinos 28-10 to move back to the top of Super League. The Warriors have named three changes in their 21-man squad with Tommy Leuluai, Ben Flower and George Burgess available for selection.

WHEN: Saturday, 29th August at 4.15pm

WHERE: Halliwell Jones Stadium

HOW TO WATCH: Sky Sports Arena (Channel 408) from 4pm - Season Ticket holders who registered to watch via OURLEAGUE will be able to tune in using their stream codes on the app

GET INVOLVED: Cheer the Tigers on throughout the day on social media using #ReadyToRoar

Castleford Tigers 21-man squad: 2. Derrell Olpherts, 4. Michael Shenton, 6. Jake Trueman, 7. Danny Richardson, 8. Liam Watts, 9. Paul McShane, 10. Grant Millington, 11. Oliver Holmes, 12. Mike McMeeken, 13. Adam Milner, 14. Nathan Massey, 15. Jesse Sene-Lefao, 16. George Griffin, 17. Alex Foster, 19. Daniel Smith, 20. Junior Moors, 21. James Clare, 22. Jacques O’Neill, 24. Tyla Hepi, 26. Calum Turner, 34. Gareth O’Brien.

Wigan Warriors 21-man squad: 1. Zak Hardaker, 2. Liam Marshall, 3. Chris Hankinson, 6. Bevan French, 7. Tommy Leuluai, 9. Sam Powell, 10. George Burgess, 11. Willie Isa, 12. Liam Farrell, 14. Ben Flower, 15. Joe Greenwood, 16. Morgan Smithies, 19. Joe Bullock, 20. Liam Byrne 21. Dom Manfredi, 23. Jake Bibby, 28. Harry Smith, 30. Ethan Havard, 31. Jackson Hastings, 32. Amir Bourouh, 33. Joe Shorrocks.