Two weeks after facing off in Rivals Round, Castleford Tigers took on Wakefield Trinity in the final game of Super League Magic Weekend and here’s our verdict on the game.
Whilst Wakefield only just edged a win over Castleford in Rivals Round, they hammered the Tigers today as they ran out 32-8 winners with both Lachlan Walmsley and Caius Faatili bagging braces in a dominant performance.
Castleford rarely had any chances and when they did gain territory, they committed errors in a performance that will have massively frustrated Danny McGuire.
There was plenty of change for both sides from the game two weeks ago during Rivals Round with Castleford boasting two new signings in Tom Amone and Chris Atkin, the latter who started on the bench.
As for Wakefield, they had Jake Trueman back in the halves alongside Mason Lino whilst Lachlan Walmlsey was recalled to start on the wing.
Castleford Tigers lose out in Magic Weekend finale
It was Wakefield who started fastest as Max Jowitt dummied the pass to Tom Johnstone and curved around under the sticks to score just before the ten-minute mark.
Trinity added to their lead when Mike McMeeken broke through and set up fellow forward Caius Faatili for the loudest cheer of the weekend, as the fan favourite scored his first try for the club.
Joe Mellor thought he’d scored to pull one back but it was sent up as ‘No Try’ and video referee James Vellas agreed. Cas did get on the board on the opposite edge through Josh Simm as the Tigers made good on their scrum play but Wakefield hit back before the break.
After forcing a goal-line drop-out, Wakefield spread the ball wide and Lachlan Walmsley scored a brilliant acrobatic finish to make it 16-4 at the half.
Tom Johnstone added to that lead almost immediately after the restart. Even with almost 40 minutes to go, Castleford didn’t look to have much hope of launching a comeback with Danny McGuire’s side looking lethargic.
They did get on the board through Sam Wood just before the hour mark but it was merely a consolation and Wakefield continued to pile the points on. Lachlan Walmsley and Caius Faatili both scored another with the prop’s try surpassing his first as he raced 70 metres and stepped the full-back to score under the sticks and make it a resounding 32-8 win.
Good day for
Lachlan Walmsley marked his return to the side with a two-try performance and he’s made it very hard for Daryl Powell to leave him out going forward.
Bad day for
Danny McGuire’s side came into this game with a stronger squad than when they lost 13-12 in Rivals Round and there was a real feeling that the Tigers could spring an upset but they were so far off the pace.
Star man
Caius Faatili stole the moment as he bagged two tries with the prop’s second being one of the best this season, never mind across Magic Weekend.
Teams
Castleford Tigers XIII: Tex Hoy, Josh Simm, Zac Cini, Sam Wood, Innes Senior, Daejarn Asi, Rowan Milnes, Tom Amone, Judah Rimbu, Jordan Dezaria, George Lawler, Alex Mellor, Brad Singleton
Interchanges: Joe Westerman, Daniel Okoro, Hugo Salabio, Chris Atkin
Wakefield Trinity XIII: Max Jowitt, Lachlan Walmsley, Corey Hall, Oliver Pratt, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Mason Lino, Mike McMeeken, Liam Hood, Caius Faatili, Jack Croft, Josh Griffin, Jay Pitts
Interchanges: Cameron Scott, Isaiah Vagana, Mathieu Cozza, Harvey Smith
The teams for the final #MagicWKND clash are locked in! 🐯⚜️
Watch @CTRLFC take on @WTrinityRL live at 5:30pm on @SkySports 📺#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/SJTNhRnR0Y
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 4, 2025
