Castleford Tigers vs Hull KR: Team News, Match Preview and Score Prediction

The third meeting between the two, Castleford Tigers will be hungry for some revenge after two defeats in League and Cup against Hull KR in 2022.

The Tigers will be fresh after their weeks’ break whereas the Robins have sustained some casualties following their cup exit last week.

Can they recover to defeat the Tigers here?

Team News

The Tigers welcome back Cheyse Blaire into the squad along with Greg Eden, who is set to face his former side once again, whereas James Clare and Sam Hall drop out.

The Robins welcome back Lachlan Coote after he sustained a head injury two weeks ago but lose both Jordan Abdull and Kane Linnett to long term injuries respectively.

Match Preview- Key Battles

Gareth O’Brien vs Lachlan Coote: Gareth O’Brien knows where to hit Hull KR where it hurts and he might be on a mission here. His kicking game and his ability to combine with half-back partner Jacob Trueman will be crucial. However, Coote, former Super League champion and all, will hope to bounce back in style and will need to step up in the absence of both Abdull and Mikey Lewis. Despite likely playing in different positions in this game, both will have similar jobs on their hands.

Liam Watts vs George King: A key battle in the forward pack. Watts has been one of the Tigers’ key men with his offloading ability that has helped Castleford become unpredictable in attack at times. King though has proved to be a work horse for the Robins with his go forward and defending and will need to put in a big shift here.

Paul McShane vs Matt Parcell: Former Man of Steel McShane will hope to further cement his place as England hooker. His work from acting half has caught many opposition unawares. However, so has Parcell and given his status as a former Super League Champion, his attack is exciting and a combination with Jez Litten could prove to be the difference in the middle.

Where the game will be won and lost

Castleford Tigers possess a very strong line-up and given their home advantage should start as favourites for this one, despite losing the earlier two fixtures. Hull KR might be suffering the old ‘hangover’ from the Challenge Cup and given the fact they are missing players in key areas, could struggle to handle the Tigers but under Tony Smith, anything is possible considering their achievement of two semi-finals shortly after finishing bottom in 2020.

Score Prediction: Castleford Tigers 30-16 Hull KR