Exclusive: Mark Applegarth reveals ‘secret weapon’ ahead of Castleford showdown

Leeds Rhinos take on Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors meet Hull FC, in previous seasons these games would have been easily the biggest of the round but that isn’t nearly the case this time with neither on Sky Sports.

Sky Sports instead will be showing Challenge Cup winners Leigh Leopards as they take on Catalans Dragons, the league leaders. But the big game is the relegation Grand Final as Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers collide at 8pm.

With both clubs level on points, a win for either side would put them in pole position to fend off relegation, and with IMG set to radically change  Super League, especially the use of promotion and relegation, relegation could be detrimental for either side.

So a win is paramount and finding any edge will be key, something Wakefield boss Mark Applegrath thinks they have in the shape of new assistant Sean Long – describing him to Serious About Rugby League as their ‘secret weapon’.

“It’s an exciting time, there’s nerves in a good way and excitement as every week when you want to transfer what you’ve done in training into games,” said Applegarth.

“We’ve had a good week’s training, just like I’m sure every coach says. I’m looking forward to it. I’m more looking forward to seeing how the group go, seeing what we’ve done behind the scenes.

“I think Longy has been great coming in, he’s added some decent nuggets of information in there and he’s slotted in exactly how I knew he would. So we’re happy with where we’re at as a group and we’re just going to take it into Friday night.”

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.

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 used to play for, with Applegarth believing Griffin will be another important weapon.

“Josh has been immense since he came in,” Applegarth added. “He is itching to get out there and there is a strong argument to suggest at the start of the season he was the best centre in this division.

“I think his influence on and off the field will be vital for some of the younger lads because he’s a player that has been there and done it, he’s played in big games at Wembley and competed at the top.

“For us to have him, and I include me and the coaching staff in that because we are learning from him as well, well it is another luxury we did not think we would have at this stage and I think he can make the difference that is needed.”