Leigh Leopards will host Castleford Tigers tonight as Adrian Lam’s men look to close the gap between themselves in fifth and Wigan Warriors in second.
The Leopards have a run-in that includes Warrington Wolves away from home before a crucial tie against 3rd placed St Helens. Meanwhile, Castleford’s season has been yet another poor one, as they have now gone six consecutive years without a top six finish.
The return of Edwin Ipape and Umyla Hanley will be a welcome boost for the home side, after the pair were rested last week against Salford Red Devils.
Here is how both sides are expected to line up for tonight’s clash, in what is expected to be a strong victory for the fifth placed Leopards.
Leigh Leopards Team News:
As mentioned, key men Ipape and Hanley will return to the side, as will Gareth O’Brien and Frankie Halton. Star props Joe Ofahengaue and Owen Trout remain on the sidelines, with back rower Jack Hughes potentially making a positional switch for the second week running.
However, due to the late fitness call of Ethan O’Neill, Hughes may be needed in his natural position.
Aaron Pene is another option to partner Robbie Mulhern as a starting prop, in what would be his just his fourth start of his Leigh career.
Leigh Leopards Predicted XVII: 29. Bailey Hodgson, 18. Keanan Brand, 3. Tesi Niu, 4. Umyla Hanley, 5. Josh Charnley, 6. Gareth O’Brien, 7. Lachlan Lam, 14. Aaron Pene, 9. Edwin Ipape, 10. Robbie Mulhern, 11. Frankie Halton, 12. Jack Hughes, 13. Isaac Liu.
Bench: 15. Alec Tuitavake, 16. Matt Davis, 21. Andrew Badrock, 22. Ben McNamara
Castleford Tigers Team News:
Tex Hoy looks to make his first appearance since May after suffering an injury. The fullback has been named in the 21-man squads for recent matches against Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos, but a slight setback delayed his return to the side.
Joe Stimson also returns after completing his concussion protocols. The mid-season signing failed a HIA in the disappointing defeat to the Rhinos.
Alfie Lindsey made a try-scoring debut for the Tigers last week against Catalans, and is expected to retain his place on the wing.
Castleford Tigers Predicted XVII:Â 1. Tex Hoy, 46. Alfie Lindsey, 25. Will Tate, 22. Louis Senior, 45. Elliot Wallis, 6. Daejarn Asi, 42. Chris Atkin, 10. George Lawler, 9. Liam Horne, 41. Tom Amone, 11. Jeremiah Simbiken, 12. Alex Mellor, 13. Joe Westerman
Bench: 14. George Griffin, 16. Cain Robb, 38. Brad Singleton, 43. Joe Stimson
