Key half-back returns as Castleford Tigers travel to face Leigh Leopards

Leigh Leopards welcome Castleford Tigers to the Leigh Sports Village on Friday night in a battle of the big cats with Leigh aiming to worsen Castleford’s woes.

Many thought Leigh would be the side to struggle this season but with five wins and five losses the Leopards sit pretty in seventh, just outside the playoffs on points difference.

That’s come down to impressive recruitment from owner Derek Beaumont as well as an effort-based mentality coached by Adrian Lam, who admitted that the first 40 minutes against Leeds in round 10 was the best his side have played all year.

Potentially the break came at a bad time for the Leopards given that impressive performance but they’ll look to make this their third win in a row against a struggling Castleford.

The Tigers have officially made Andy Last their head coach now but Last was involved with England’s camp to face France suggesting that he’s not been with the Tigers squad as much as he may have liked.

Last needs all the time he can get with the team to try and reverse their form that’s seen them win just twice all season, and their away record of four losses from four doesn’t bode well for Friday night.

📋 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📋

Adrian Lam has named his squad that will take on the @CTRLFC on Friday night in the Leopards Den. 🐆#BeTheRoar pic.twitter.com/Sl5lF0SchJ

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) May 3, 2023

Lam has the benefit of the returning Ben Nakubawai and is also boosted by Jacob Gannon who replaces Umyla Hanley.

As for Castleford they’re boosted by the returning Gareth Widdop who has recovered from any illness.

Young winger Elliot Wallis makes the step up into the 21-man line up for the first time this season after impressing in Castleford’s Reserves ranks last year. Cain Robb makes his return to the First Team fold after a stint on the sidelines with a hand injury.

2⃣1⃣-man Tigers squad for Friday night!

Squad details ⤵️@GeoShieldUK • #COYF

— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) May 3, 2023