Sam Tomkins named on bench as off-season recruit missing for Castleford

Sam Tomkins has been named to make his second appearance of the season on the bench against Castleford, while Gareth Widdop has not been included for the visitors.

Tomkins, 34, has been battling a knee injury in which will see him hang up the boots at the end of the current campaign.

The England international has only featured once so far this season, in the 14-6 home victory over Leigh in Perpignan.

He will feature from the bench against the Tigers at the Stade Gilbert Brutus, with Arthur Mourgue named at starting full-back by head coach Steve McNamara.

Cesar Rouge will partner Mitchell Pearce in the halves, with NRL recruit Adam Keighran named in the centres alongside the club’s leading try-scorer in Tom Johnstone.

Michael McIlorum will watch on from the sidelines, with Alrix Da Costa named at hooker.

The side are without Tyrone May, Mickael Goudemand and Manu Ma’u following their 32-22 defeat to Leeds at Headingley Stadium. 

Gareth Widdop surprise exclusion

Despite being named in the club’s 21-man squad for the trip to France, playmaker Gareth Widdop will not feature against the Dragons.

Interim boss Andy Last has named Jack Broadbent in the halves alongside Jacob Miller for the Round Seven clash.

Adam Milner misses out due to his suspension, while George Lawler will make his 100th career appearance from the bench. Kenny Edwards, Albert Vete and Daniel Smith complete the bench, with Muizz Mustapha named 18th man.

Greg Eden has been named at full-back.

Captain Paul McShane has shrugged off a dead leg sustained in the defeat to Warrington last Friday to be named at starting hooker for the Tigers.

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