Predicted line-up for injury hit Castleford Tigers against Hull KR this Sunday

On Sunday, Hull KR and Castleford meet in Adam Milner’s testimonial as the two teams get ready for the new season.

The Tigers have named a 22 man squad in preparation for the game as they build towards the 2021 campaign.

So, how will the Tigers line-up this Sunday.

Fullback: Niall Evalds

Castleford’s biggest signing heading into 2021, he may just be the final piece of the jigsaw for Cas. He brings speed and attacking flair and has been one of the competition’s best fullbacks in recent years playing in both the Grand Final and Challenge Cup Final. Sunday will no doubt see him make his Tigers debut.

Wingers: Derrell Olpherts and Brad Graham

The Tigers were once again struck by a disappointing injury blow to former Cronulla Shark Sosaia Feki meaning he’s likely to miss a huge chunk of this season. Also missing from the Tigers squad this Sunday is James Clare and Greg Eden meaning 19 year old Brad Graham could be handed a start on the wing alongside Olpherts who impressed in his first season at the Jungle last year.

Centres: Peter Mata’utia and Michael Shenton

Once again these two have been handed the 3 and 4 shirts in 2021 so appear to be Castleford’s first choice centre-pairing despite the competition they face for their starting spots this season. Captain Shenton will bring superb leadership whilst Mata’utia will bring flair. They’ll be looking to impress against Hull KR knowing one wrong move could see someone like Jordan Turner displace them.

Halves: Jake Trueman and Gareth O’Brien

Jake Trueman is an England international in waiting. He brings exciting creativity to the Tigers halves and 2021 could be a big season for the youngster. His usual partner Danny Richardson won’t start alongside him on Sunday, however, as he misses out through injury. But this is the reason Cas brought in O’Brien from Toronto. He’ll put in a good shift on Sunday.

Props: Grant Millington and Nathan Massey

The Tigers are missing quite a few of their usual props. Liam Watts and George Griffin are both missing from the squad for Sunday so it’s likely that the duo in the middle will be Grant Millington and Nathan Massey. Both are more than capable of impressing in the middle, they’ll be looking to cement their place in the side with some of their competition sitting on the sidelines.

Hooker: Paul McShane

The 2020 Man of Steel will be looking to pick up from where he left off last season. He was superb last year proving he certainly is the complete hooker capable of darting runs, organisation and even a sound kicking game. He was never going to be left out of the starting 13.

Second-Rowers: Oliver Holmes and Cheyse Blair

Mike McMeeken’s departure means there’s an opening in the second row position for Castleford. Oliver Holmes, one of Super League’s most underrated players, will likely be Daryl Powell’s go to option in the back-row whilst Blair will be tasked with partnering him on Sunday. However, with Blair capable of playing centre, it’s possible we could see him move to the backs at some stage this season.

Loose-Forward: Adam Milner

Milner just had to feature – after all this game is all for him. He’s been a superb servant for Castleford and has developed into one of the best loose-forwards in Super League. The Grand Finalist is a grafter and has a touch of class. He’s well deserving of a testimonial and could be set for another fantastic season.

Substitutions: Lewis Bienek, Alex Foster, Tyla Hepi, Jacques O’Neill, Lewis Peachey, Cain Robb, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Daniel Smith, Jordan Turner

Being a pre-season friendly it’s likely Castleford will utilise the whole of their 22 man squad for this game. First teamers like Alex Foster, Jacques O’Neill, Jesse Sene-Lefao and Daniel Smith will be ready to take their chance and prove that they should feature in Castleford’s first choice pack this season. Jordan Turner will make his debut from the bench likely taking over at centre. Meanwhile, four youngsters will also feature and will be looking to get some vital minutes as they continue their development.