Match Preview: Leeds Rhinos (Magic Weekend)

The Tigers head to Magic Weekend on Saturday to face local neighbours Leeds Rhinos! 

Castleford face Leeds Rhinos this weekend as both teams travel to Newcastle for a tasty affair as both teams look to take the 2pts. The two faced up earlier on in the season in round 5 of the Betfred Super League and the Tigers took the win 14 -8 for the first win of the season. The last time we faced the Rhinos at Magic Weekend they ran out 34-20 winners, so there’s definitely some bragging rights heading into Saturday. 

Tickets will be available to purchase at St James’ Park at the Magic Weekend and will be priced as follows: 

CAT 2 DAY TICKET 

Adult - £40 

Concession - £30 

Junior - £20 

CAT 3 DAY TICKET 

Adult - £25 

Concession - £20 

Junior - £12.50 

CAT 2 WEEKEND TICKET 

Adult - £60 

Concession - £45 

Junior - £30 

CAT 3 WEEKEND TICKET 

Adult - £40 

Concession - £30 

Junior - £20 

Last has only made one change from the squad that was selected for the Tigers’ visit to the Giants last week as Jason Qareqare, who returns from his loan stint at Bradford, replaces Alex Sutcliffe. Jack Broadbent and Alex Mellor are set to face their former club this Saturday adding personal battles for the two Castleford players. 

The Rhinos are coming off a golden point loss against last year’s champions St Helens, the Rhinos are without Aidan Sezer, Harry Newman and Morgan Gannon, who were all forced off with injuries. James Bentley goes back into the mix after coming back from his concussion protocol as well as youngsters Leon Ruan and Alfie Edgell who could make their debuts. Blake Austin also returns after missing the last two outings for the Leeds side. 

Castleford Tigers: 3. Jordan Turner, 4. Mahe Fonua, 5. Bureta Faraimo, 6. Gareth Widdop, 7. Jacob Miller, 8. George Lawler, 9. Paul McShane, 10. George Griffin, 11. Kenny Edwards, 12. Alex Mellor, 13. Joe Westerman, 14. Nathan Massey, 17. Jack Broadbent, 20. Muizz Mustapha, 23. Suaia Matagi, 24. Cain Robb, 25. Brad Martin, 26. Elliot Wallis, 28. Sam Hall, 31. Jason Qareqare, 32. Liam Watts 

Leeds Rhinos: 1. Richie Myler, 4. Nene MacDonald, 5. Ash Handley, 6. Blake Austin, 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 11. James Bentley, 12. Rhyse Martin, 13. Cameron Smith, 14. Jarrord O’Connor, 16. Derrell Olpherts, 17. Justin Sangare, 18. Tom Holdroyd, 19. James McDonnell, 21. Luke Hooley, 22. Sam Walters, 23. Liam Tindall, 24. Luis Roberts, 25. James Donaldson, 26. Corey Johnson, 31. Leon Ruan, 34. Alfie Edgell 

“Leeds are a difficult team to preview. They’re very athletic, very front foot and play eyes up. They move the ball and take risks. They’ll challenge you from try line to try line. Defensively, it’s important that we’re switched on and try and neutralise those individual threats that they’ve got.” 

“We’ve seen the reports and we’re aware that they have one or two busted bodies, but within that 21 man squad they can still put a very good team on the park. We’re expecting the very best version of Leeds and we’ll need to be good ourselves to get a good performance.  

Watts vs Oledski 

The two big middles can cause problems for defenders when carrying the ball, the pair go head-to-head this weekend and will be one to watch for the neutrals as they both aren’t shy of contact and the derby day adrenaline will have definitely kicked in. 

Miller vs Austin 

Jacob Miller will lead the Tigers round the park on Saturday and is no stranger to the magic weekend, a memorable magic moment of his would be a long-distance drop goal which gave former side Wakefield the win. Opposite number Blake Austin is back in contention for the Rhinos and will be looking to add his flair kicking game to stop the Tigers getting another 2pts over Leeds. 

Broadbent vs Handley 

Jack Broadbent faces his former club on Saturday. The youngster has been on form the Tigers and has shown his class so far this season. He will be facing up against Ash Handley who’s been at the Rhinos from a young age and is an experienced athlete. His form this season saw him wear the England shirt in the mid season friendly against France.