Wire injury woes, milestone reached, Challenge Cup chances and Warrington Wolves v Castleford Tigers talking points

Warrington Wolves hosted Castleford Tigers a week out from their Challenge Cup Final against Hull KR, and here are the key talking points from the game.

Sam Burgess’ side held off a late Castleford comeback attempt to win 34-24 with the match effectively wrapped up in the first half when they had raced into a 22-6 lead on the back of Castleford’s errors.

Questions had been asked about whether Sam Burgess would rotate or rest players but all of Marc Sneyd, Sam Powell and Paul Vaughan were recalled to the action as Warrington went as close to full strength as they could.

Castleford Tigers saw Judah Rimbu miss out again despite the Papua New Guinean being recalled to the 21-man squad whilst Sam Wood also missed out meaning Louis and Innes Senior formed the left edge.

Here are some of the major talking points after Warrington Wolves beat Castleford Tigers 34-24.

Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers talking points

Can Warrington really beat Hull KR at Wembley?

Based on tonight’s performances, Warrington winning but letting points slip late on and Hull KR controlling St Helens and being able to rest players in the second half, you’d say the odds are well and truly stacked against Sam Burgess’ side at Wembley.

Knockout rugby league is different to league games but there will be plenty more Hull KR fans optimistic about next week’s game compared to Warrington fans.

Captain’s Challenge success proves pivotal

The Captain’s Challenge was added this season due to high demand but it’s fair to say that most clubs have not used it very well at all. Until tonight, Warrington Wolves were one of those sides with their record standing at a measly two wins from seven.

Stefan Ratchford improved his side’s record with two successful challenges and an inconclusive one, but that second successful challenge was vital. Matt Dufty was tackled and then dragged in goal but the referee ruled for a drop-out initially.

Wire challenged it and won, with Castleford penalised and from that set, Ratchford scored to put the game to bed at 34-18 when they would have been just 28-18 up and defending a set on their own line.

Penalties kill Castleford

Danny McGuire’s side threatened a comeback late on but they lost the game in the first half and so many of Warrington’s points came off the back of Castleford penalties, be it set restarts or offsides.

The club hired Brett Delaney, who Danny McGuire hired as the best defensive coach in Super League, but they need to add discipline to their game if their defence is to have any chance.

Mr Warrington Wolves makes landmark appearance

On his 350th appearance for the club, Stefan Ratchford put it a very strong display which will offer Sam Burgess some confidence if he has to call on the veteran next week.

That’s still a possibility with George Williams racing to be fit and if Ratchford is called upon then he’d make his 351st appearance at Wembley. His 350th was a special one though, a win and a try to cap it off.

More Warrington woes

The injury issues for Wire have been well-documented and when it rains, it pours. That seems to be the case at the moment and Lachlan Fitzgibbon appears to be the latest to join the injury list.

Chasing a Marc Sneyd bomb, Fitzgibbon’s knee appeared to give way underneath him as he slowed down to try and land the tackle on Tex Hoy. That saw the second-rower left on his haunches and ultimately subbed off.

Teams

Warrington Wolves XIII: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Rodrick Tai, Arron Lindop, Jake Thewlis; Stefan Ratchford, Marc Sneyd; Luke Yates, Sam Powell, Paul Vaughan; Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Adam Holroyd, Ben Currie

Interchanges: James Harrison, Max Wood, Joe Philbin, Ben Hartill

Castleford Tigers XIII: Tex Hoy; Josh Simm, Zac Cini, Louis Senior, Innes Senior; Daejarn Asi, Rowan Milnes; Dan Okoro, Chris Atkin, Brad Singleton; George Lawler, Alex Mellor, Liam Horne

Interchanges: George Griffin, Sam Hall, George Hill, Hugo Salabio

Will @WarringtonRLFC head to Wembley for @TheChallengeCup Final on the back of a #SuperLeague victory? 👀

Find out live on @SkySports and SuperLeague+ as they host @CTRLFC 🤝 pic.twitter.com/d02lz5ogS4

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 30, 2025