The lineups for this afternoon’s clash between Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos has been confirmed. Castleford still remain without star full back Tex Hoy, whilst Leeds will give a first start to a homegrown talent in the pack.
The Tigers will play their first game since they revealed a new name for their stadium. Now called the OneBore Stadium, Castleford will be hoping it comes with a turn of fortune, as they have won just 20 of their last 50 home league matches.
Leeds, who play for the first time since the announcement that head coach Brad Arthur signed a new contract, have just two senior props available to them. Keenan Palasia, an ever-present this season and Sam Lisone, who scored two tries the last time the sides met, will have to be on top form for the top four hopefuls.
Here is how both sides line up for the fixture, set to kick off at 3pm live on Sky Sports+.
Castleford Tigers Team News:
Jenson Windley remains at full back for Chris Chester’s men, with Tex Hoy still not ready for action. The fullback has been injured since May, but has been included in the last two 21-man squads.
Elliot Wallis makes his second debut for the club after joining on loan from Huddersfield, he replaces Josh Hodson in the outside backs. Wallis will feature on the wing, moving Louis Senior to centre.
Chris Atkin returns in the halves to replace Joe Westerman, who returns to his natural position of loose forward. George Lawler moves to second row in place of the suspended Jeremiah Simbiken.
Castleford Tigers lineup: 27. Jenson Windley, 24. Josh Simm, 4. Sam Wood, 22. Louis Senior, 45. Elliot Wallis, 6. Daejarn Asi, 42. Chris Atkin, 38. Brad Singleton, 16. Cain Robb, 41. Tom Amone, 10. George Lawler, 12. Alex Mellor, 13. Joe Westerman.
Bench: 15. George Griffin, 19. Sam Hall, 20. Muizz Mustapha, 43. Joe Stimson. 18th man: 26. George Hill.
Leeds Rhinos Team News:
Presley Cassell makes his first start for the club, filling in for the injured Cooper Jenkins at prop forward. The youngster has appeared from the bench in the Rhinos’ last three, and has not looked out of place since his arrival.
Andy Ackers gets his first start at hooker since his return from injury, with Jarrod O’Connor dropping to the bench. Ackers made his comeback in July, but has only been used in short stints from the bench.
Other than that, Leeds remain unchanged from their win at Leigh Leopards last week. Chris Hankinson makes his second appearance for the club since signing from Salford, meaning there is still no place for Riley Lumb.
Leeds Rhinos lineup: 1. Lachie Miller, 5. Ryan Hall, 4. Ash Handley, 3. Harry Newman, 31. Chris Hankinson, 6. Brodie Croft, 18. Jake Connor, 8. Keenan Palasia, 9. Andy Ackers, 29. Presley Cassell, 12. James McDonnell, 16. Morgan Gannon, 28. Kallum Watkins.
Bench: 11. James Bentley, 14. Jarrod O’Connor, 15. Sam Lisone, 24. Ben Littlewood. 18th man: 20. Jack Sinfield.
