Red Devils vs Tigers: Match Preview

Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds is the host for the Round 11 fixtures and the Tigers will be taking on the Red Devils in what should be an exciting affair with both clubs looking to get back to winning ways.

It has been a tough start for Daryl Powell’s men since the resumption of the season with match postponements, reschedules and ultimately three losses from three games. Despite a strong opening period against the table-toppers Wigan last week, the Fords fell to a 30-22 defeat in which the Head Coach said his side were simply “not good enough” and will need to “respond quickly”. Five days on the Tigers will aim to respond positively with victory over Ian Watson’s Salford Red Devils.

The Tigers are boosted by the return of Peter Mata’utia after serving his two-match suspension but will be without Jake Trueman after suffering a back injury which hampered him the later stages of Saturday’s game against the Warriors.

James Clare was taken off the field last weekend on a stretcher as a precaution after a ‘crusher’ style tackle meaning he will miss out this week, and both Daniel Smith and Sosaia Feki are being assessed for their injuries.

Greg Eden steps into the 21-man squad and could make his third appearance of 2020, whilst 17-year-old Bailey Hodgson could have a dream birthday present by making his Super League debut after being named in the squad list for the fourth time this campaign.

The Red Devils have been in action twice since the restart, firstly a thumping victory over Hull FC back at the start of August by 54 points to 18 before being halted for three weeks due to Hull’s positive Covid-19 tests. Upon their return last weekend, they suffered a big defeat to Leeds Rhinos, 50-12, who raced to a 26-0 lead in the first half.

Captain Lee Mossop is one of four changes to their 21-man squad with Krisnan Inu, Connor Jones and Jack Ormondroyd stepping in, Ryan Lannon, Josh Johnson, Ken Sio and Chris Atkin stepping out of Ian Watson’s team sheet.

WHEN: Thursday, 3rd September at 8.15pm

WHERE: Emerald Headingley Stadium

HOW TO WATCH: Sky Sports Mix (Channel 416) - 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, 3. Peter Mata’utia, 4. Michael Shenton, 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, 20. Junior Moors, 22. Jacques O’Neill, 24. Tyla Hepi, 25. Greg Eden, 26. Calum Turner, 33. Bailey Hodgson, 34. Gareth O’Brien.

Salford Red Devils 21-man squad: 1 Niall Evalds, 2 Ed Chamberlain, 3 Kris Welham, 5 Krisnan Inu, 6 Tui Lolohea, 7 Kevin Brown, 8 Lee Mossop, 9 Joey Lussick, 10 Gil Dudson, 12 Pauli Pauli, 13 Tyrone McCarthy, 14 Sebastine Ikahihifo, 16 Greg Burke, 17 Luke Yates, 19 Mark Flanagan, 21 James Greenwood, 22 Rhys Williams, 24 Elliot Kear, 25 Connor Jones, 26 Jack Ormondroyd, 30 Andy Ackers.