Warrington Wolves vs Castleford Tigers: Team news, match preview and score prediction

In the second half at Headingley, Warrington finally looked like a team where the the weight on them had been lifted and they caused the in form Rhinos some real problems.

Can they do the same against the Tigers who, like Leeds, are chasing play-off rugby at the end of the season. So, unlike Warrington, the pressure is well and truly on them.

They’ll also have the added incentive of coming up against former boss Daryl Powell. Can they secure a place in the play-offs – something Powell couldn’t do last season.

Team News

Warrington welcome back captain Jack Hughes from injury to the squad whilst both Stefan Ratchford and Tom Mikaele also return to the squad. Youngsters Adam Holroyd and Luke Thomas both keep their places in the squad.

Castleford welcome back two key forwards in Liam Watts and Nathan Massey. Jordan Turner and Cheyse Blair drop out whilst Suaia Matagi and Adam Milner remain suspended.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Matt Dufty vs Greg Eden: Two of Super League’s quickest fullbacks will meet this week and both will want to insert themselves in the game as frequently as possible and get on the scoresheet.

Daryl Clark vs Paul McShane: The last two Castleford hookers to claim the Man of Steel will do battle as the quick and elusive Clark comes up against the cerebral McShane in what should be the equivalent of a chess match played at the pace of a formula one race.

Oliver Holmes vs Joe Westerman: Another former Castleford man will also be a focal point for Warrington in Oliver Holmes who has taken the nicely to the loose-forward role recently but he’ll have his work cut out against a former Warrington man in the Cas side in the skilful Joe Westerman.

Where the game will be won and lost:

Warrington need to replicate the structures of their second half at Headingley but they need to be more clinical. As for Cas, they need to get back to being physical and try and gain control of the middle of the field before expressing themselves in attack – something they couldn’t do against Huddersfield last week.

Score Prediction: Warrington Wolves 20-24 Castleford Tigers