Match Preview: Wigan (A)

The Fords make the trip over the Pennines for their penultimate game of the season away at The DW Stadium this Friday as they take on current league leaders the Wigan Warriors with kick-off scheduled for 8pm!  

Both sides still have points to prove this season and will be heading into the game looking to secure two crucial points under the lights after the pair experienced big wins last time out.

U8s (0-7), Carers & Junior Members should contact the Ticket Office (01977529263/01977529264) to purchase tickets. 

Adult (25-59): £26 

Senior (60+): £19 

Young Adult (22-24): £21 

Youth (18-21): £18 

Junior (8-17): £12 

Tickets are still available online HERE! 

Liam Horne and Jacob Miller both return to the squad after serving their two one-match suspensions respectively. Sam Hall and George Lawler are also expected to make a return to the squad following knocks during the outing at Warrington. One change to take note of is the introduction of Tigers Academy product Fletcher Rooney who will be making his first appearance in the senior squad.  

Wigan will be coming into this fixture fully firing on the back of a demolition of Leeds in which they did not concede a single point. They will be looking to continue that momentum in their pursuit of the League Leaders Shield with the Cherry and Whites level on points with the Catalans Dragons and St Helens.

Castleford: 2. Greg Eden, 3. Jordan Turner, 7. Jacob Miller, 8. George Lawler, 10. George Griffin, 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, 41. Jordan Johnstone, 45. Liam Horne, 46. Blake Austin, 47. Fletcher Rooney 

Wigan: 1. Jai Field, 2. Bevan French, 3. Toby King, 4. Jake Wardle, 5. Liam Marshall, 6. Cade Cust, 7. Harry Smith, 9. Sam Powell, 12. Liam Farrell, 13. Morgan Smithies, 15. Kaide Ellis, 17. Kai Pearce-Paul, 19. Joe Shorrocks, 20. Patrick Mago, 21. Iain Thornley, 22. Brad O’Neill, 23. Abbas Miski, 26. Harvie Hill, 27. Junior Nsemba, 32. Ryan Hampshire, 34. Tyler Dupree 

Ahead of Friday night's fixture at The DW Stadium, Castleford Head Coach Danny Ward addressed the media and looked ahead to what will be a tough test.

“They had a good win last week over at Hull. They were good value for the win against Leeds last weekend and it’ll be a good battle. They’re still in the mix for the six. They’ll be confident but it’s what we do and we’ve got to focus on being better than we were last week.” 

WATCH Danny Ward's pre-match press conference on Tigers TV 

Tigers youngster Jason Qareqare reflected on his brace last time out against Hull FC and previewed the match-up against Wigan.

"We are still in this battle and I think the boys know it and in rugby league, anything can happen. We are taking every game as it comes and not looking at other scores. A win would mean a lot to this club and every one of the boys will be over the moon."

Jason Qareqare's full press conference can be viewed on Tigers TV by clicking HERE

Austin vs Smith 

This should be a great battle to watch as both players aim to dictate play and get their team field position off the back of their running and kicking game. Since Austin's arrival at Castleford, we have seen his impact on the field and the pressure he takes off his teammates with his kicking game. When lining up against Smith who has been brilliant in his own right for Wigan this season, it's crucial that the Tigers focus on their kick pressure.

Mustapha vs Dupree 

Another great matchup to look forward to as both players will battle to gain an upper hand and allow the backs to play off good ball. Mustapha showed incredible drive and determination during the victory over Hull FC which will be a key part of what should be a very tight physical game with Wigan. On the opposition side, Dupree is certainly not one to overlook, a strong all-round player who has bags of natural talent and has impressed already in a Warriors shirt.

Qareqare vs Miski 

A true battle of the finishers, with Miski raking up 22 Super League tries so far this campaign he will be a massive target to keep under control for the Tigers as he has the ability to find points from any position. Qareqare will be keen to keep his momentum going after scoring a brace last week, Jason is a player with natural pace and can be a real threat.