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Castleford Tigers vs Huddersfield Giants: Team news, match preview and score prediction

Week by week, Huddersfield further cement themselves as a contender for Super League glory in 2022.

No matter the injuries and absences which come their way, the Giants keep ploughing on and thanks to Castleford’s win over Catalans last week, Huddersfield are firmly cemented in the top three.

However, Castleford won’t be in the mood to hand out more favours as they face a crucial spell in their season. Having beaten the Dragons last week, they can strengthen their grip on play-off rugby with wins over Huddersfield and Leeds in the coming weeks.

Team News

The Tigers have lost two players from last week’s 21-man squad with Liam Watts suspended and Ryan Hampshire picking up an injury. However, they are boosted by the return of star fullback Niall Evalds who is joined in the squad by Jason Qareqare.

There could be a debut in the Giants side in the shape of Huddersfield born centre Toby King after he swapped Warrington for Huddersfield with Jake Wardle headed in the opposite direction. His debut is almost a certainty following in the injury to Ricky Leutele.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Niall Evalds vs Tui Lolohea: Back in the squad and with no Ryan Hampshire, Lee Radford may want to throw Niall Evalds back in at fullback after his bicep injury but the presence of Jason Qareqare in the 21 suggests this is not a guarantee. However, should he play he’ll give the Tigers’ attack another dimension something Tui Lolohea has been doing all season at the back.

Paul McShane vs Danny Levi: Two top hookers with slightly different styles do battle in the middle. Levi is a livewire and will look to run riot down the middle of the Tigers’ defence. However, Paul McShane will be focused on controlling the middle third and restricting the Giants’ impressive pack.

Joe Westerman vs Luke Yates: There is a similar feel to this tussle as these two 13s bring very different styles to their sides. Westerman will look to stretch the Giants whilst Yates will look to plough through the middle of the Tigers.

Where the game will be won and lost:

The Tigers pack will have to restrict what the Giants do down the middle. Holding them back will allow the Tigers to get a foothold in the game and enable Westerman and co to stretch the play and open up the Giants. However, should the methodical Giants get rolling down the field they’ll be tough to stop.

Score Prediction: Castleford Tigers 12-20 Huddersfield Giants

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