Castleford Tigers 4-32 Wigan Warriors: Player Ratings

Two teams who had very different 2023 Super League campaigns met today to begin their 2024 Betfred Super League seasons in the shape of Castleford Tigers and Wigan Warriors.

Castleford Tigers only just secured survival at the end of 2023 as Wakefield Trinity were relegated by Leigh Leopards. A win over Wakefield themselves did help but it did mean that they didn’t need to defeat Leeds Rhinos on the last day and a good thing too given they lost 46-0.

Since then, the club have dramatically reduced the average of their squad and have a new coach in Craig Lingard.

As for Wigan Warriors, they won the Super League Grand Final in 2023 after finishing top and next week look to win the World Club Challenge. Could they lay down a marker against the Tigers in Round One.

Despite a valiantly first 30 minutes, the red card to Liam Watts changed the game and saw Cas fall away against the Champions.

Castleford Tigers Player Ratings

1. Luke Hooley – 6: Took two controversially tackles that could have received red cards. Was busy but at fault for Wigan’s first try.

23. Jason Qareqare – 6: Looked dangerous but in these conditions he was always going to struggle. Caught out for Liam Marshall’s try.

3. Jack Broadbent – 6: Almost a repeat of the above.

4. Sam Wood – 5: A tough game to debut in for Sam Wood. Like the whole Cas side he tried hard.

5. Innes Senior – 5: A similar situation for Senior. A hard game for any winger.

6 Danny Richardson – 7: When Cas were competing with Wigan in the first half an hour it was on the back of his kicking game.

7. Jacob Miller – 5: Didn’t have much opportunity to express himself against the Warriors.

10. George Lawler – 6: Laid a solid platform in the first half but was eventually behind the eight ball.

14. Liam Horne – 6: Was initially dangerous but as the game died down so did his threat.

17. Nixon Putt – 6: Very similar to George Lawler.

11. Ellie El-Zakhem – 5: Worked hard but didn’t have a chance to impress on the game.

22. Charbel Tasipale – 5: As above.

13. Joe Westerman – 6: Had some early threat but after he was involved in the controversial moment of the game he and his team were in survival mode.

Interchanges

2. Josh Simm – 5: Came on after the game had gone.

8. Liam Watts – 4: Came on and was unfortunately sent off somewhat controversially.

19. Sam Hall – 5: Came on and worked hard.

20. Muizz Mustapha – 5: As above.

Wigan Warriors Player Ratings

1. Jai Field – 7: Not a game for the electric fullback but he nailed the basics.

2. Abbas Miski – 6: His highlight was setting up a try for Kruise Leeming in the second half.

3. Adam Keighran – 6: Not a vintage game built for a vintage debut. We will see better from him in the season.

4. Jake Wardle – 6: A nice touch for Marshall’s try. Otherwise, just did his job.

5. Liam Marshall – 7: Took his try well and dealt with kicks well.

6. Bevan French – 8: Somehow was still dangerous in the wet creating overloads and taking a lovely try.

7. Harry Smith – 8: Kicked well and organised his side. Could have been sent off.

16. Luke Thompson – 5: Forced off early with a head injury.

9. Brad O’Neill – 7: Set the early tone very well in a difficult period.

10. Liam Byrne – 6: In tough circumstances, he started things off well.

11. Willie Isa – 6: As you would expect, did his job in the backrow.

12. Liam Farrell – 6: Simple but effective.

13. Kaide Ellis – 7: Key with the early loss of Thompson. Could have been shown a card himself.

Interchanges

14. Mike Cooper – 6: Returned strongly and did well.

15. Patrick Mago – 7: Took his try well as he made an impact.

17. Kruise Leeming – 7: As above but a very different impact.

19. Tyler Dupree – 7: Another prop who came on and made an impact.