Huddersfield Giants boosted by return of Super League star

Castleford Tigers take on Huddersfield Giants on Friday night with Craig Lingard’s side still searching for their first win of the Super League campaign.

The Tigers came close in Round Two against Salford Red Devils but otherwise, they’ve not looked a major threat and the loss to Warrington Wolves highlighted that.

Castleford Tigers started as the far stronger side and dominated the opening 20 minutes but an inability to turn pressure into points cost them massively.

Leading just 4-0 at the 20 minute mark despite their immense territory, Sam Burgess’ side ran in four quick tries to head into the break 20-4 up before then scoring almost immediately after half-time.

It was certainly a wasted opportunity for Castleford and they’ll need to be more efficient against a Huddersfield side that will be stinging after a loss to Wigan Warriors last time out in Super League.

Some had suggested Wigan might be below par following the immense emotional toil of winning the World Club Challenge, something that Barrie McDermott had told Serious About Rugby League.

That wasn’t to be the case though with Ian Watson’s side being the victims of Liam Marshall with the Wigan Warriors’ winger scoring a hattrick as Matt Peet’s side won 30-16.

Huddersfield will now have their captain Luke Yates back after the Australian served a contentious three-match ban that he picked up during pre-season.

The two sides met during pre-season with the Tigers coming out on top at the Jungle in early February, and they’ll be hoping for a repeat result.

Super League sides confirm their squads

Craig Lingard has been able to name their new signing Sylvester Namo for the first time since he arrived at the Castleford Tigers.

Last year’s mid-season recruit Charbel Tasipale also returns after having dealt with a slight knock but notable absentees still include the suspended Liam Watts and injured Paul McShane.

As for Huddersfield, they are boosted by the return of Luke Yates but Matty English makes way with the forward having suffered a nasty head collision against Wigan Warriors, something that saw the prop visibly wobbly on his feet before he then failed a HIA.

Wingers Adam Swift and Elliot Wallis both retain their places with the two recruits being bright sparks for the Giants in Super League so far this season.

Castleford Tigers 21-Man Squad

1 – Luke Hooley
2 – Josh Simm
3 – Jack Broadbent
4 – Sam Wood
5 – Innes Senior
7 – Jacob Miller
10 – George Lawler
11 – Elie El-Zakhem
12 – Alex Mellor
13 – Joe Westerman
14 – Liam Horne
16 – Rowan Milnes
17 – Nixon Putt
19 – Sam Hall
21 – Sylvester Namo
22 – Charbel Tasipale
24 – Cain Robb
25 – Brad Martin
26 – Samy Kibula
27 – Albert Vete
30 – Luis Johnson

Huddersfield Giants 21-Man Squad

1 – Jake Connor
2 – Adam Swift
3 – Esan Marsters
4 – Kevin Naiqama
6 – Tui Lolohea
7 – Adam Clune
8 – Chris Hill
11 – Jack Murchie
12 – Sam Hewitt
13 – Luke Yates
14 – Ash Golding
16 – Harry Rushton
17 – Olly Wilson
18 – Seb Ikahihifo
19 – Thomas Deakin
20 – Elliot Wallis
21 – Leroy Cudjoe
22 – Harvey Livett
23 – Olly Ruseell
24 – Sam Halsall
26 – Hugo Salabio