Danny Ward makes huge claim before relegation Grand Final

This weekend there are some massive games as Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves meet and Wigan Warriors and Hull FC lock horns in crucial games for the play-off race but the biggest game is between Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers.

Branded as the relegation Grand Final, it has a very similar feel to the 2006 game between the two which saw the Tigers relegated.

That day, Danny Ward joined an elite group of players who have won the Grand Final and been relegated but now Ward can right that wrong with Castleford as Head Coach.

That said, he has interestingly claimed that his side are the underdogs going into the game.

He said: “We’d probably go in as underdogs with the way you look at form and Wakefield at home, being at home in front of the crowd, but they’ll be confident at home.

“They’ve been playing some really good rugby at home as well and picking up some wins in the recent months as well. So they’ll be definitely favourites and feeling that way as well going into it.”

Another new face will also be key tomorrow in the shape of Blake Austin.

On him, Ward said:

“He’s been fantastic around the place, you know, from just his voice in team meetings, his speaking up, his seeing things that we might be missing or the lads might have missed and his confidence, you know, he’s coming and just really added to the group.

“Just having him out there on the field and talking, getting people around and he’s a fantastic player. We all know what a player can bring to the team and he’s a fantastic addition to Castleford at this time of the year.

“Really looking forward to playing, if it is this week, you’ll have to tune in tomorrow.”

With Austin set to debut for Castleford, Wakefield also look set to have debut in the shape of Josh Griffin.

Griffin was subject to interest from Castleford as he left Hull FC but in the end elected to join Wakefield in their fight for survival.

This adds an interesting dynamic to the game.