Match Preview: Tigers vs. Hull KR

After a disappointing and forgettable day at the KCOM last Sunday, the ‘Fords are pushing to register only their second win since the Betfred Super League resumed in August. They’ll be hoping for to finish this season in style and will be wanting to see a similar performance to the last time the clubs met in the battle for the Roger Millward Trophy, with Cas running out 8-28 victors in a match full of fantastic finishes from both sides.

The Robins will themselves be wanting to make amends for that performance and also to follow up with another strong performance against Salford last week. Tony Smith has made three changes to that side, with talented Castleford-born fullback Will Dagger returning to the spine of the side, whilst forward duo Dan Murray and Nathaniel Peteru step in to replace the unavailable Mitch Garbutt and Matty Storton

Meanwhile Head Coach Daryl Powell has made four changes from the squad that lined up against Hull FC, with Gareth O’Brien, Matt Cook and Brad Graham making way for Derrell Olpherts, the Tigers’ leading try scorer in Super League this year, fellow winger Greg Eden, and 2020 signing Dan Fleming. Elsewhere Daniel Smith makes a return to action, replacing the suspended Tyla Hepi. 

As the season draws to a close, there’s a chance to set the foundations for a stronger showing in 2021 and recent debuts by Jack Sanderson and Brad Graham in recent week, another young ‘Ford is in contention to make his competitive Castleford debut: Tigers Academy product Bailey Hodgson is expected to line up at fullback and is a very promising player who has plenty of experience played as England’s #1 at youth level. Daryl Powell himself, said he thinks the youngster was a tad surprised to be getting the call, but was confident that he will more than rise to the occasion and showcase his fantastic potential.

Watch Daryl Powell's Match Preview in full on Tigers TV.

The match takes place at St. Helen’s Totally Wicked Stadium, the site of many a close game for the Tigers in recent months: Losing out in heartbreaking fashion 10-12 to Warrington in September, before another close game against the reigning champions at their home ground in August. After two close games, third time’s a charm, surely!?

WHEN: Thursday 22nd October – kick off at 5:30pm

WHERE: Totally Wicked Stadium, St. Helens

HOW TO WATCH: Live on Sky Sports Arena (Channel 408) and Season Ticket holders who registered to watch via OURLEAGUE will be able to tune in using their stream codes on the app.  This match in full will be available to watch for Tigers TV subscribers on Monday, highlights of the match will be available for everyone to view too.

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, 9. Paul McShane, 10. Grant Millington, 12. Mike McMeeken, 13. Adam Milner,
14. Nathan Massey, 15. Jesse Sene-Lefao, 17. Alex Foster, 18. Cheyse Blair, 19. Daniel Smith,
20. Junior Moors, 22. Jacques O’Neill, 25. Greg Eden, 27. Lewis Peachey, 31. Brad Martin, 33. Bailey Hodgson, 35. Jack Sanderson, 36. Dan Fleming.

Hull Kingston Rovers 21-man squad: 2. Ben Crooks, 3. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 4. Kane Linnett, 7. Jordan Abdull, 8. Robbie Mulhern, 9. Matt Parcell, 11. Weller Hauraki, 13. Dean Hadley, 15. George Lawler, 16. Dan Murray, 17. Kyle Trout, 19. Will Dagger, 20. Mikey Lewis, 22. Nick Rawsthorne, 25. Matty Gee, 26. Will Maher, 27. Elliot Minchella, 30. Jamie Ellis, 32. Nathaniel Peteru, 35. Rowan Milnes, 36. George King.