Tigers vs Warriors: Match Preview

The close of the season, as well as Magic Weekend, is fast approaching and with the play-off race heating up both Castleford and Wigan have plenty of reasons to put on a highly engrossing show at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle.

• 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

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.

• CAS IN FOUR-M – WILL IT BE FIVE-TASTIC?

The Tigers are looking to make it five wins in a row in Betfred Super League, after wins at Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, a home derby win over Wakefield, then lastly a victory on the road against Hull FC last Thursday night.

Following the result over the Black & Whites, Castleford moved into the top six on the table and will be looking to cement their places in the post-season mix in the final games that remain.

Furthermore, the Fords will be wanting to make it six straight home victories over the Warriors. Derrell Olpherts has scored tries in the last three meetings between Cas and Wigan too, he would love to keep that record running.

• TIGERS TEAM NEWS

Head Coach Daryl Powell makes just one change to the 21-man squad that was named ahead of last Thursday’s match away at Hull FC, with Paul McShane out after suffering an abdominal injury during the game which forced him to come off the field.

The Fords welcome back captain Michael Shenton who is available for selection after fracturing his cheekbone in a match against Huddersfield Giants at the start of August.

Should Jesse Sene-Lefao feature, it will be his 100th Super League appearance too.

• THE OPPOSITION

It’s a contrast of recent fortunes with Wigan on a three-match losing run in Betfred Super League, but perhaps more worryingly for the Warriors is that they have not scored a try in over 200 minutes of match action.

Losses to Hull KR, St Helens and Leeds Rhinos does make for a dangerous opponent on Bank Holiday Monday, with a strong reaction expected, Daryl Powell knows a tough task awaits his men. Warriors are sat in 4th place heading into Round 22 of the 2021 season despite their run of recent form.

Wigan will remain without Sam Powell following a concussion sustained against Hull KR, Willie Isa is serving the second match of his four-game ban, and longer-term injuries to Bevan French and Tommy Leuluai rule them out for selection too. Adrian Lam has recalled youngsters Sam Halsall and Brad O’Neill into his 21-man squad declaration.

• POWELL’S PREVIEW

Daryl Powell spoke to the press ahead of the Monday match and shared his delight that club captain Michael Shenton is back available for selection.

“He is obviously crucial for us, a very smart player and a great voice in the team. He’s actually been running messages for us, and he has 100% success rate as a trainer, he has done well!

“He’s a class player and a class guy, pleased to have him back out there because his leadership and skillset is phenomenal on our left edge. So pleased to have him back.”

WATCH Daryl Powell’s full preview on the Tigers’ official Facebook page

• THE SQUADS

Castleford Tigers 21-man squad: 1. Niall Evalds, 2. Derrell Olpherts, 3. Peter Mata’utia, 4. Michael Shenton, 7. Danny Richardson, 8. Liam Watts, 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.

Wigan Warriors 21-man squad: 3. Zak Hardaker, 4. Oliver Gildart, 5. Liam Marshall, 6. Jai Field, 8. Brad Singleton, 10. Joe Bullock, 12. Liam Farrell, 13. John Bateman, 14. Oliver Partington, 15. Morgan Smithies, 19. Liam Byrne, 20. Harry Smith, 21. Ethan Havard, 22. Jake Bibby, 23. Mitch Clark, 25. Joe Shorrocks, 27. Kai Pearce-Paul, 28. Sam Halsall, 31. Jackson Hastings, 33. Amir Bourouh, 34. Brad O’Neill

• MILNER ON FORDS’ MOMENTUM

Adam Milner was named Man of the Match in the Hull FC game last time out and what a match he had!

“It was a massive effort from the boys. We knew it was a really important match for us and we’re in a bit of a groove at the minute winning our last three so coming into it we knew how important it was.

“The boys are working hard for each other, and it could have gone one of two ways after the Challenge Cup, but it’s gone the way all the boys in this camp thought it would.”

READ Adz’ thoughts on the Tigers’ run of form HERE

• GET INVOLVED & HOW TO WATCH

Watch Castleford versus Wigan live and in-person by getting your tickets easily online at castlefordtigers.com/tickets

The game will also be broadcast on Sky Sports Arena, channel 408 on Sky from 4.30pm.

Cheer the Tigers on via social media using the hashtags: #ReadyToRoar and #COYF