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

Leeds v Castleford is one of Super League’s biggest local derbies especially after their Grand Final encounter and tonight the latest chapter in their rivalry will be penned. The Rhinos are desperate to get back on the horse after a heart breaking defeat to Warrington whilst Castleford need to inject new life into their season after a their Challenge Cup Final defeat.

In terms of Leeds’ halfbacks, it’s one in and one out as Rhinos fans continue their wait to see Rob Lui and Luke Gale combine this term. Lui will return from a hamstring injury tonight whilst Gale serves his ban for contact with a match official. Lessening his absence is the return of Kruise Leeming from an ankle injury. He’s been key for Leeds this season whether playing at hooker or in the halves. Bodene Thompson will most likely feature after dropping out of Sunday’s game with Warrington last minute. He’ll come onto the bench whilst Tom Holroyd moves into the starting line-up in place of the injured Mikolaj Oledzki.

For Castleford, tonight represents a real chance to reignite their season after struggles against the pandemic and injury. Their side should be much closer to full strength tonight with natural halfbacks Gareth O’Brien and Danny Richardson coming into the side meanwhile there should be a serious battle for the wing spot between James Clare and Greg Eden. It should also be interesting to see how Daryl Powell balances his pack with a number of players back in contention.

Leeds
16 Richie Myler
2 Tom Briscoe
4 Konrad Hurrell
3 Harry Newman
5 Ash Handley
6 Rob Lui
15 Liam Sutcliffe
18 Tom Holroyd
9 Kruise Leeming
10 Matt Prior
25 James Donaldson
12 Rhyse Martin
13 Zane Tetevano
Substitutes
14 Brad Dwyer
17 Cameron Smith
19 King Vuniyayawa
20 Bodene Thompson

Castleford
1 Niall Evalds
2 Derrell Olpherts
3 Peter Mata’utia
25 Jordan Turner
23 Greg Eden
31 Gareth O’Brien
7 Danny Richardson
14 Nathan Massey
9 Paul McShane
22 Daniel Smith
11 Oliver Holmes
17 Alex Foster
13 Adam Milner
Substitutes
10 Grant Millington
19 Tyla Hepi
21 Jesse Sene-Lefao
24 Suaia Matagi