Huge team news confirmed for massive relegation battle

We’re less than a week removed from the Challenge Cup Final however the biggest game of the season so far is set for Friday with Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers set to face off in what has been dubbed a ‘relegation Grand Final’, Trinity having picked up a brilliant run of form of late in which they’ve beaten the likes of Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos.

Both sides have only won four games all season and currently sit tied on eight points a piece but a win on Friday night under the Belle Vue lights will see one team pull two points clear and leave their rivals staring down the barrel of relegation.

Wakefield have won their last four games at home but this fifth win would be the most important of the season so far if they can manage it, and they’ll be close to full strength for the game.

Recent signing Josh Griffin has now completed his ban and will be set to debut in the game against his former club, whilst the half back pairing of Luke Gale and Mason Lino looks set to go again with that experience proving vital potentially.

As for Castleford they now have a new man in charge with Andy Last being dismissed after their loss to Huddersfield Giants at Wheldon Road most recently.

Former London Broncos boss Danny Ward has taken over and he’ll be hoping to get off to a winning start and snap the Tigers’ current losing streak of five matches.

The Tigers are without Riley Dean who was recalled by parent club Warrington Wolves but they’ve recently made plenty of signings including PNG international Liam Horne and Lebanese star Charbel Tasipale.

Danny Ward has selected his first 21-man squad as Tigers Head Coach.

There are two changes to the Cas squad which was picked ahead of their previous fixture against Huddersfield Giants. Young back Will Tate and Alex Sutcliffe, who is currently on loan at Halifax Panthers, come out of the pack.

Jordan Turner has had a speedy recovery from his thumb injury to return to the squad and Blake Austin also comes in for what could be his Castleford debut.

✊ Ready for Friday

Full squad info 👇#COYF

— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) August 16, 2023

As for Wakefield, they have Jai Whitbread back in the mix, Hugo Salabio back from his ban and Josh Griffin set to debut against the side he turned.

📋SQUAD NEWS

Here's the 21-man squad for our game against @CTRLFC this Friday.

🤝@WDHcarelink
Redrox Quarry Products Ltd pic.twitter.com/9MLBkz3zpI

— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) August 16, 2023