Castleford Tigers vs Catalans Dragons: Kick-off time, TV channel and predicted line-up

Fifth host fourth this week as two teams inside the play-off spot who have struggled recently do battle.

Yes Catalans have won two of the last four but have struggled for personnel and subsequent rhythm and at times have failed to look like a play-off side at times though they did show great character last week against Wakefield. They need to rediscover what made them a winning machine in 2021 in time for the play-offs and that process begins here.

As for the Tigers, their play-off spot is now in peril after defeats in the last two. A win here would certainly be priceless.

Kick-off time and TV channel

The game kicks off at 20:00.

There is no live TV coverage but BBC will show highlights on the Super League Show.

Predicted Line-ups

Castleford Tigers
The Tigers have lost two of the side who lost to St Helens last week. Cheyse Blair’s head injury will see Alex Sutcliffe promoted to the starting 13 at centre as George Lawler returns to the bench. Meanwhile, Liam Watts’ ban will see Daniel Smith start as he also returns to the mix. Sosaia Feki will again start on the bench. You’ll have to take all of that with a pinch of salt however after Lee Radford‘s comments yesterday as he revealed in the team run a number of injury problems arose but didn’t divulge who.

23 Greg Eden
2 Derrell Olpherts
21 Alex Sutcliffe
17 Mahe Fonua
5 Bureta Faraimo
7 Danny Richardson
31 Gareth O’Brien
22 Daniel Smith
9 Paul McShane
15 George Griffin
11 Kenny Edwards
37 Alex Mellor
13 Joe Westerman
Substitutes
10 George Lawler
25 Suaia Matagi
28 Brad Martin
30 Sosaia Feki

Catalans Dragons
Catalans will have to continue to go with an odd looking pack with so many key forwards still absent including squad numbers 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 meaning their first choice pack except for hooker Michael McIlorum is absent. At least Steve McNamara can welcome back Dylan Napa and Joe Chan to the bench after starting a winger and a scrum half amongst the subs last week. Arthur Mourgue could join Napa and co on the bench if Sam Tomkins returns at fullback whilst the return of Matthieu Laguerre is timely as it will enable him to replace Fouad Yaha on the wing as either Dean Whare or Tyrone May come in to replace Arthur Romano at centre. If Tomkins is absent, then Mourgue will surely start leaving a spot on the bench for someone like May or possibly young Cesar Rouge.

29 Sam Tomkins
2 Tom Davies
4 Dean Whare
3 Samisoni Langi
18 Matthieu Laguerre
6 Mitchell Pearce
7 Josh Drinkwater
24 Mathieu Cozza
9 Michael McIlorum
16 Paul Seguier
21 Corentin Le Cam
15 Benjamin Jullien
14 Alrix Da Costa
Substitutes
1 Arthur Mourgue
22 Dylan Napa
27 Joe Chan
28 Sam Kasiano