Castleford Tigers utilise loophole to allow banned duo to face Hull FC

Castleford Tigers have a must-win game against Hull FC next up in Super League, and they have been handed a boost as two surprise names are in contention to feature.

Craig Lingard’s side lost their first six games of the season, but had seen somewhat of an uptick in results of late, with wins against Salford Red Devils and London Broncos, as well as a late draw against Leigh Leopards.

Despite this, they left fans raging with their performance this weekend, as they conceded eight tries in half an hour after Liam Horne’s dismissal removed their man advantage.

Castleford currently sit in tenth-place, just one position and three points ahead of Hull FC, who have had a disastrous start to the campaign, and lost to London Broncos at the weekend.

Horne’s dismissal against Saints was for a dangerous tackle, which referee Jack Smith said put the opponent in a “really, really dangerous position”.

He was given a one-match Penalty Notice due to his Grade C Dangerous Throw/Lift charge.

Therefore, it seemed that the Tigers would be set to play without him in their upcoming clash.

Duo to feature for Castleford Tigers against Hull FC

There are no Super League fixtures this weekend, with the Challenge Cup semi-finals instead scheduled this weekend.

Castleford are not involved, as they were beaten comfortably by Wigan Warriors in the quarter-finals.

That means they get a week off, but before their next Super League fixtures, there’s a round of reserves’ fixtures as usual.

As we’ve already reported, these can count towards suspensions when the first-team are not in action.

It’s already clear that Tommy Makinson and Liam Horne will be available due to this, but another previously-overlooked player, Sylvester Namo, will also be available.

His five-game ban for a tackle on Willie Isa has kept him out of Castleford’s last four games, and he has one game remaining: which he can serve during this round of reserves’ fixtures.

Serious About Rugby League have had it confirmed by the RFL that this loophole is still active, meaning the Tigers will almost certainly use this, as they have previously used the loophole.

A trio of Castleford players benefitted from the rule during an international break last year, with Kenny Edwards, Liam Watts and Bureta Faraimo managing to escape bans.

Therefore, Castleford, in their important fixture against Hull FC, will surely be lining up with Horne and Namo in the ranks.