Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity have confirmed their line-ups for this afternoon’s ‘Rivals Round’ clash at the Onebore Stadium.
Both sides go into this game on the back of victories, with Castleford beating Bradford last week and Wakefield winning their last four in a row.
Ryan Carr’s side are two from three at home this season, having also beaten Huddersfield earlier in the season. They will also take confidence in the fact that they emerged victorious the last time these two sides met, as Chris Chester’s out of form side won their first game in six matches to overcome Daryl Powell’s Trinity.
Speaking of Trinity, they are flying somewhat under the radar this season and after losing two of their opening three league games now sit just two points off top spot. A victory by two or more points would see them climb into the top four, however it will be a tough ask for Wakefield to get the victory in this afternoon’s local derby.
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity Team News
Starting with the home side, Mikaele Ravalawa is again not involved, with the Tigers opting to use Warrington Wolves loanee Jake Thewlis on the right wing. Thewlis is making his debut for the club after joining on a month’s loan earlier this week.
The powerful left edge of Krystian Mapapalangi and Jason Qareqare will be hoping to be as lethal as they were last time out, with Qareqare crossing for a hat-trick, all of which was set up by his centre partner.
Alex Mellor returns for the first time since round two, where he broke his leg in defeat to Toulouse. The skipper will be hoping to have a similar performance to that of the round 25 win last season, where he scored in the victory over Wakefield.
Trinity welcome back Mason Lino to the side. The half-back has been struggling with a leg injury since round one, but has now made his return to the side in place of Jack Sinfield, who can find himself unlucky to miss out after showing up brilliantly in Lino’s absence.
Jazz Tevaga misses out this week, meaning there is a debut for fellow quota player Tray Lolesio. Harvey Smith is named on the bench and he will be hoping to make an impact, as he has done so often this season.
Castleford Tigers starting XIII: Zac Cini, Jake Thewlis, Darnell McIntosh, Krystian Mapapalangi, Jason Qareqare, Daejarn Asi, Tom Weaver, George Lawler, Tom Forber, Joe Westerman, Jordan Lane, Alex Mellor, Joe Stimson
Bench: Renouf Atoni, Brock Greacen, Sam Hall, George Hirst
Wakefield Trinity starting XIII: Max Jowitt, Oli Pratt, Cameron Scott, Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Mason Lino, Mike McMeeken, Tyson Smoothy, Ky Rodwell, Isaiah Vagana, Matty Storton, Jay Pitts
Bench: Seth Nikotemo, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Harvey Smith, Tray Lolesio
