Tigers will be ready for Round One!

With just over two weeks to go until the start of the new campaign, at this stage of pre-season, Castleford Tigers will have all but three First Team players available for selection.

The club can also provide clarity on when Suaia Matagi should be available for match selection after sustaining a calf problem: Matagi is in line to make his Tigers’ debut at the end of April, in Round 4 or 5 of the Super League competition. Meanwhile, James Clare is on track with his recovery and will provide further backline options for Daryl Powell from Round 3 in the middle of April.

Sunday’s match against Hull Kingston Rovers will be a terrific test for Castleford just two Sundays out from kicking off their campaign against Warrington Wolves at Emerald Headingley Stadium in the Fords’ season opener.

On top of celebrating Adam Milner’s decade of service to the Tigers, the game will also allow Fords' fans to see more of the youngsters within the First Team environment as Director of Rugby Jon Wells discusses: "This weekend's game is important for two reasons: 1. We get to celebrate the contribution to the Castleford Tigers of Adam Milner; one of our own; an international standard player and a one-club man; and 2. Daryl gets to look at what our front-line combinations look like as well as giving some of our young guys the chance to force their way into everybody's thinking for Round 1 and beyond."

Lewis Peachey, Brad Graham and Cain Robb are three Castleford Tigers Academy graduates, and all are keen to stake their claim in the team.

Peachey has featured for the Fords on six occasions over the past two seasons so far and continues to grow in confidence with every minute of match time he notches up. Lewis adds both size and further competition into the Cas pack.

Brad Graham became the 1,001st player to play for Castleford back in October, with a great physical frame he can lend his talents to both centre and back row which should serve him well as he is eager to earn more game time.

Whilst Robb has yet to make his Super League debut, he was given a two-year, full-time contract after progressing through both the Tigers’ Scholarship & Academy and is currently relishing the opportunity to work under the Man of Steel, Paul McShane.

WATCH: Hull Kingston Rovers versus Castleford Tigers, live on Sunday 14th March for just £4.99 HERE!