Castleford Tigers team news as Chris Chester makes sweeping changes for Salford Red Devils clash
Castleford Tigers' Director of Rugby Chris Chester
Castleford Tigers director of rugby Chris Chester has made sweeping changes to his side ahead of their clash with Salford Red Devils, as he seeks to start his interim reign with a win.
Chester has stepped in as Castleford’s interim head coach following the departure of Danny McGuire earlier this week.
The former Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR boss has also confirmed as many as 20 coaches are in contention for the post at the Jungle, as the club seek to appoint their sixth head coach since 2023.
Chris Chester makes sweeping changes
In his first game at the helm of the Fords, Chester has made four personnel changes to the starting 13 from the Huddersfield Giants defeat.
Young gun Fletcher Rooney and off-season recruit Jeremiah Simbiken make their returns to action following lengthy injury lay-offs, while new mid-season signing Joe Stimson and hooker Cain Robb come into the starting 13 as well.
Rooney’s introduction for Innes Senior also sees Zac Cini move back into the centres, while Sam Wood moves out to the wing to fill Senior’s spot.
Academy graduate Rooney, off-season recruit Cini and club captain Wood are part of an exciting backline alongside Josh Simm and Louis Senior, while Daejarn Asi and Chris Atkin continue their partnership in the halves.
Here is how we line up to take on The Devils 👊#COYF 🐯 pic.twitter.com/tRpzhXlo7X
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) July 13, 2025
In the Fords’ pack, Stimson joins Tom Amone in the front-row, with Robb slotting in at hooker. Simbiken and Alex Mellor are named as the starting back-rowers, while experienced forward Joe Westerman gets the nod at loose forward once again.
George Lawler, George Griffin, Sam Hall and Brad Singleton form a strong bench.
Castleford Tigers 17 in full
Starting 13: Fletcher Rooney, Josh Simm, Zac Cini, Louis Senior, Sam Wood, Daejarn Asi, Chris Atkin, Joe Stimson, Cain Robb, Tom Amone, Jeremiah Simbiken, Alex Mellor, Joe Westerman
Interchange bench: George Lawler, George Griffin, Sam Hall, Brad Singleton
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