Cas vs Leeds: Match Preview

The sold-out signs for this fixture were put up days ago with Cas supporters hoping to roar on Daryl Powell’s men, and they will be trying to use that famous, intimidating atmosphere to put the two recent defeats firmly behind them.

The Fords will take some heart from the Good Friday fixture back in Round Two, when the Fords beat Richard Agar’s Rhinos by 18 points to 10.

If you are unable to make it to the game, 2021 Season Ticket holders have the option of logging into their Our League account and using their unique code. If the code has already been redeemed for a previous match, you do NOT need to redeem it again.

COMING TO THE JUNGLE

Supporters are being welcomed to The Jungle for the game, but it will be a different matchday experience than most are used to, face coverings are to be worn at all times in the stadium, social distancing in your social bubbles is required, and specific entry points for each stand.

Everything you need to know for your visit to The Jungle is detailed on our handy guide and FAQs section HERE. A reminder, ALL supporters attending games at Wheldon Road must agree to the Supporters’ COVID Code of Conduct which you can fill in online, please note if you have already filled in your information you do not need to do it again.

EXPECT A FIERCE ENCOUNTER

The next two weeks for Castleford feature huge matches in the season, next Saturday presents a chance to go to Wembley, but first, they are looking to avoid three straight defeats in a row in Super League. After losing in the last minute against Hull KR before a depleted Tigers team lost out to Warrington last Saturday afternoon, getting back on the horse and building momentum ahead of the Challenge Cup semi-final will be vitally important.

Meanwhile, Leeds Rhinos have only won two games all season so far, both edging past Wakefield Trinity, but Agar’s side has been ravaged by injuries in the early season and has missed their talismanic captain and former Tiger, Luke Gale, who will be keen to return to form.

TIGERS TEAM NEWS

Daryl Powell has made three changes to his 21-man squad declaration for this Round Eight match, with Liam Watts returning to the fold after serving his two-match suspension, Cheyse Blair is up for selection after an injury, as is the fearless Jacques O’Neill who could be set to make just his second appearance of the season so far after an oblique injury was suffered back in Round One. If George Griffin plays will make his 150th Super League appearance, a terrific achievement for the versatile forward who was announced to be staying with the Club in 2022 this week.

THE OPPOSITION

For Leeds, they make no changes to their 21-man squad from their game against Hull FC on Sunday night with Jarrod O'Connor, Sam Walters, Jack Broadbent, and Bodene Thompson the four to miss on the game last week, and already missing Rob Lui, Harry Newman, and Alex Sutcliffe.

Cas fans can expect Luke Gale to put on his best efforts as he plays in front of his former side’s supporters for the first time since making the move to join the Headingley club.

POWELL’S PREVIEW

Daryl Powell spoke to the press ahead of the game against Leeds and is delighted to be welcoming back a few faces to his matchday squad.

“He was just starting to get his form when he got suspended, so that is important for us, Cheyse Blair’s back, and Greg Eden could be there so a few players back and we’re looking forward to it.

“We have a couple of big weeks starting with this week against Leeds and it’ll be a tough challenge for us, I think physicality-wise, their starting pack, in particular, has been pretty fearsome. Our boys need to be on.

“Jacques is back in so it’s good to see him, we thought he was close last week, but he got another week, he’s had a bit of time on the sidelines and built a bit of a reputation last year with the way he played. It’s a good opportunity for him to get out there and get going again.”

WATCH Daryl’s pre-match press conference in full, for free, on Tigers TV.

KEY BATTLES

Danny Richardson vs Luke Gale – The 7’s who will be at the heart of their side’s attack, Richardson will be looking to feed off the crowd who may give Gale a “warm welcome” to The Jungle

Liam Watts vs Mikolaj Oledzki – A battle of the big boys who like to make metres and run the ball in strongly, expect both to do their best at breaking defensive lines

Derrell Olpherts vs Ash Handley – both these wingers on their day can be highly proficient try scorers and both want to add to their tallies so far in 2021

THE SQUADS

21-man squad: 2. Derrell Olpherts, 3. Peter Mata’utia, 4. Michael Shenton, 6. Jake Trueman, 7. Danny Richardson, 8. Liam Watts, 9. Paul McShane, 11. Oliver Holmes, 12. Cheyse Blair, 14. Nathan Massey, 15. George Griffin, 18. Jacques O’Neill, 19. Tyla Hepi, 20. James Clare, 21. Jesse Sene-Lefao, 22. Daniel Smith, 23. Greg Eden, 24. Suaia Matagi, 25. Jordan Turner, 27. Lewis Peachey, 28. Brad Martin

21-man squad: 2. Tom Briscoe, 4. Konrad Hurrell, 5. Ash Handley, 7. Luke Gale, 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 9. Kruise Leeming, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Alex Mellor, 12. Rhyse Martin, 13. Zane Tetevano, 14. Brad Dwyer, 15. Liam Sutcliffe, 16. Richie Myler, 19. King Vuniyayawa, 20. Bodene Thompson, 22. Sam Walters, 24. Luke Briscoe, 25. James Donaldson, 26. Jarrod O’Connor, 27. Jack Broadbent, 31. Morgan Gannon

HOW TO WATCH

Season Ticket Holders can watch this game live on Our League with their existing Our League season ticket code.

Further details on how to redeem and watch using your unique Season Ticket code are available here. Please note requests for codes that have not been received need to be sent to ticketing@castigers.com no later than 48 hours prior to a match.