Tigers vs Trinity: Match Preview

The Fords have momentum fully behind them as they come into the fixture after standout back-to-back away victories at Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, with Greg Eden putting in electric performances on his return to claim four tries in two games.

Wakefield put the disappointment of Chris Chester’s departure firmly behind them as they upset third-place side Warrington in Willie Poching’s first match as interim Head Coach. Tries from Tom Johnstone, David Fififta, Lee Kershaw, and Mason Lino put Trinity in a commanding position, and they managed to hold on to taste victory for the first time in five games.

Castleford’s matchups with Wakefield are always a fiery occasion, however, with both teams coming into the game with some confidence, it could add an extra dimension to what should be a spectacular night of rugby league!

• TICKETS

We advise supporters to purchase their tickets in advance for ease of access and to save some money as prices increase by £2 on game day.

Get your tickets ahead of the game by visiting castlefordtigers.com/tickets, or visit our Tigers Den store in Carlton Lanes or our Stadium Store at Wheldon Road.

Purchasing match tickets on matchday, we ask supporters to please visit our Stadium Store for cash payments, or turnstile 16 which is found on the side of the training pitch.

• DERBY DAY DOUBLE HEADER

Castleford Tigers Women will begin their 2021 Betfred Women’s Super League play-offs campaign with a derby against Leeds Rhinos Women, kicking off at 4.15pm.

The main event will be for the local bragging rights in Betfred Super League’s Rivals Round, as our First Team Castleford Tigers take on neighbours Wakefield Trinity for the Adam Watene Trophy at 7pm.

Two terrific derby matches, for the cost of one match ticket. Join us at The Jungle for the Derby Day Double Header! 

FIND OUT MORE HERE

• WINNING STREAK

Castleford’s winning sequence against their local adversaries is a record that they are incredibly proud of, and they will be pushing themselves to the limit to capture their 16th victory in a row.

It’s a run that stretches back to May 2015 when the sides met to take part in the final match of Magic Weekend at St James’ Park. The Fords put on a glorious attacking display with Denny Solomona helping himself to four tries as the Tigers mauled Trinity in a record 56-16 win.

Last time out it was a much tighter affair at Belle Vue, Wakefield made it a nervy ending for Daryl Powell’s men, however, Cas stood firm and saw out the final moments of the encounter.

With crowd restrictions now being lifted, the Tigers are looking forward to welcoming a bumper crowd down to Wheldon Road for what is going to be a special atmosphere. The last derby to be played in front of a capacity crowd at The Jungle was back in February 2020 with Cas coming out with a 32-15 win.

• 150 UP FOR JSL

Subject to his involvement in Saturday’s fixture, the match will mark Jesse Sene-Lefao’s 150th career appearance, which is an incredibly special achievement for the 31-year-old.

Starting his career down in Australia with the Manly Sea Eagles and the Cronulla Sharks between 2013 and 2016, the Samoan international made the switch to Castleford in 2017 and has been an integral part of the club ever since. Jesse has immersed himself in the local community and recently made his 100th Tigers appearance in the last meeting with Wakefield.

Speaking to the media in the week leading up to Saturday’s derby, the forward touched on what will be a special moment for him personally.

“My 100th for Cas was against Wakey, now my 150th is against Wakey as well! It is really special and I’m buzzing to be honest. It’s mad and we take these milestones pretty seriously so when it is someone’s milestone we try and get that win for them. These local derbies are always good, and I love playing in them.”

WATCH Jesse's full preview of the game on Tigers TV

• KEY BATTLES

Should each player play, these are the key battles to keep an eye out for!

Danny Richardson vs Jacob Miller – Miller scored twice in the first Castleford/Wakefield derby of the season, whilst Richardson has performed very well recently in the two wins over Leeds and Saints.

Oliver Holmes vs Kelepi Tanginoa – Holmes does love a try against Trinity with 10 of his 40+ tries for the club coming against Trinity. Having signed a new four-year deal last year, Tanginoa has proved once again this season that he is a crucial player for Wakefield and will provide stiff opposition for Holmes on Saturday night.

Greg Eden vs Innes Senior – Eden’s resurgence has been breath-taking as the winger has scored four times in two matches since his return to the side after three months out. Youngster Senior is also nifty at scoring tries too and can prove elusive on the edge of the field.

• TIGERS TEAM NEWS

Head Coach Powell has made just two changes from the squad that was selected ahead of the win last week against St Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium, with Alex Foster and Jason Qareqare coming in for James Clare and Lewis Bienek.

• THE OPPOSITION

Wakefield are positioned in 11th place in the Betfred Super League standings having won four and lost thirteen games so far this term.

It was announced earlier this month that the club would part ways with Head Coach Chris Chester after five years at the helm and led Trinity to their highest league finish and a Challenge Cup semi-final during his time at Belle Vue.

Despite this, Wakefield responded well in their first game since Chester’s departure as they defeated Warrington Wolves. Willie Poching has taken over as interim Head Coach and scores from Tom Johnstone, David Fififta, Lee Kershaw and Mason Lino saw them get over the line.

With a victory over the third-place side in Super League, Trinity will be heading to The Jungle with a newfound sense of belief to upset the Tigers.

• POWELL’S PREVIEW

Daryl Powell addressed the media on Wednesday to preview the Trinity game and claimed that he wants his team to stay focused after their recent two wins on the road.

“We are in a good place. We have won our last two games, but we have to recognise now that we have to stay concentrated and keep playing the way we have been playing. We are looking forward to the challenges ahead. Wakefield played Warrington last week and got over the top of them, so we need to make sure we are right where we need to be.”

WATCH Powell's full preview of the Rivals Round match on Tigers TV

• RICHARDSON ON WAKEFIELD CLASH

Cas #7 Danny Richardson sat down to talk to the press in the build-up to the Wakefield game and explained that the Fords are chomping at the bit to get going.

“They are coming off the back of a win against Warrington, so I am pretty sure they’ll be right up for it. We are pretty much focused on us, and we know we have a job to do. There’s no point in winning those last two games if we go and let ourselves down at home. We are fully focussed and all of us are raring to go.”

WATCH Danny speak to the press on Tigers TV

• THE SQUADS

Castleford Tigers: 1. Niall Evalds, 2. Derrell Olpherts, 3. Peter Mata’utia, 7. Danny Richardson, 8. Liam Watts, 9. Paul McShane, 10. Grant Millington, 11. Oliver Holmes, 12. Cheyse Blair, 13. Adam Milner, 14. Nathan Massey, 15. George Griffin, 17. Alex Foster, 19. Tyla Hepi, 21. Jesse Sene-Lefao, 22. Daniel Smith, 23. Greg Eden, 24. Suaia Matagi, 25. Jordan Turner, 31. Gareth O’Brien, 33. Jason Qareqare

Wakefield Trinity: 1. Max Jowitt, 2. Tom Johnstone, 5. Liam Kay, 6. Jacob Miller, 7. Mason Lino, 8. David Fifita, 9. Kyle Wood, 10. Tinirau Arona, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Kelepi Tanginoa, 13. Joe Westerman, 14. Jay Pitts, 15. Eddie Battye, 16. James Batchelor, 17. Chris Green, 18. Innes Senior, 20 Joe Arundel, 25. Brad Walker, 26. Yusuf Aydin, 27. Lee Kershaw, 29. Ryan Hampshire

• GET INVOLVED

Wherever you are cheering on the Tigers, get in touch with the club on social media and use the hashtags: #ReadyToRoar or #COYF.