The stakes are huge at Belle Vue as Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers collide tonight in a do or die clash in terms of the race to survive.
This makes big decisions crucial and one has left many fans confused. This was the disallowing of a Josh Griffin try on his Wakefield debut.
A kick from Luke Gale bounced into his arms and Griffin touched down but the try was referred to the video referee Jack Smith.
He determined that Matty Ashurst was in an offside position and although he didn’t impact proceedings the try was disallowed.
This is because he was within the 10 and therefore needed to remain still or start backwards. The fact he advanced towards the ball, even though he only took a step or two, the try was denied.
Both sides have only won four games all season and currently sit tied on eight points a piece but a win on Friday night under the Belle Vue lights will see one team pull two points clear and leave their rivals staring down the barrel of relegation.
Wakefield have won their last four games at home but this fifth win would be the most important of the season so far if they can manage it, and they’ll be close to full strength for the game.
Recent signing Josh Griffin has now completed his ban and will be set to debut in the game against his former club, whilst the half back pairing of Luke Gale and Mason Lino looks set to go again with that experience proving vital potentially.
As for Castleford they now have a new man in charge with Andy Last being dismissed after their loss to Huddersfield Giants at Wheldon Road most recently.
Former London Broncos boss Danny Ward has taken over and he’ll be hoping to get off to a winning start and snap the Tigers’ current losing streak of five matches.
The Tigers are without Riley Dean who was recalled by parent club Warrington Wolves but they’ve recently made plenty of signings including PNG international Liam Horne and Lebanese star Charbel Tasipale.
Danny Ward has selected his first team as Tigers Head Coach.
Jordan Turner has had a speedy recovery from his thumb injury to return to the side and Blake Austin also comes in for what could be his Castleford debut.
This means Gareth Widdop starts at fullback.
As for Wakefield, they give a debut to Josh Griffin at centre. Jai Whitbread returns and Luke Gale and Mason Lino start in the halves.