Castleford v Leeds: Predicted line-ups and late injury news

Tonight, Castleford host Leeds in what will be a ferocious West Yorkshire derby – the first of it’s kind in front of supporters in over a year. Both sides have been doing it tough lately with injuries and neither team is in the best form. Their battle today is huge in the context of their seasons as both sides look to turn the tide.

It’s mostly positive news for the Tigers. Liam Watts returns from suspension and Daryl Powell can also bring in the returning Cheyse Blair and Jacques O’Neill. That said, Powell may not want to risk both. Man of Steel Paul McShane should be good to go as well following a knock against Warrington last week. Doubts still linger over Oliver Holmes and Peter Mata’utia, however they could add further pedigree to the Tigers line-up. However, there is a problem at fullback for Powell due to the continued absence of Niall Evalds. James Clare could keep his spot in the number 1 slot or Greg Eden could be drafted in.

As for the Rhinos, Bodene Thompson could return from injury. The second-rower was in contention last week but was left out of the side that lost to Hull FC on Sunday. Jack Broadbent is also likely to return to the 17 after missing last week. He’ll most likely come in for Ash Handley who struggled with a leg problem towards the end of that defeat to Hull and, if rumours are to be believed, won’t feature tonight. There are also question marks over which in-form youngster will get the nod on the bench. Will it be Morgan Gannon or Jarrod O’Connor.

Castleford
23 Greg Eden
2 Derrell Olpherts
3 Peter Mata’utia
4 Michael Shenton
25 Jordan Turner
6 Jake Trueman
7 Danny Richardson
8 Liam Watts
9 Paul McShane
14 Nathan Massey
11 Oliver Holmes
21 Jesse Sene-Lefao
22 Daniel Smith
Substitutes
12 Cheyse Blair
15 George Griffin
24 Suaia Matagi
28 Brad Martin

Leeds
16 Richie Myler
2 Tom Briscoe
4 Konrad Hurrell
27 Jack Broadbent
24 Luke Briscoe
15 Liam Sutcliffe
7 Luke Gale
8 Mikolaj Oledzki
9 Kruise Leeming
10 Matt Prior
11 Alex Mellor
12 Rhyse Martin
13 Zane Tetevano
Substitutes
14 Brad Dwyer
19 King Vuniyayawa
20 Bodene Thompson
26 Jarrod O’Connor