SL Preview: Castleford v Hull KR
Castleford will tangle with in-form Hull KR on Saturday evening boosted by the first appearance in the squad this season of Lee Jewitt.
The Tigers will feel confident, after a fine win over Warrington last time out.
They are depleted by the loss of livewire full-back Luke Dorn, however, who has a hamstring injury. Back rower Matt Cook is also missing with an ankle problem.
Maurice Blair is suspended for Hull KR, while James Donaldson is absent with a leg injury. Kris Welham and Tyrone MCarthy return to the colours after recent absences.
Mitch Allgood is included, after the disciplinary tribunal found him not guilty of a charge of dangerous contact in the Hull derby.
Castleford (19-man squad): Shenton, Carney, Roberts, Gale, Lynch, Milner, Millington, O. Holmes, Massey, Jewitt, Boyle, S. Moore, Mariano, Wheeldon, Finn, Tansey, Channing, Crossley, Gibson.
Hull KR (19-man squad): Allgood, Boudebza, Burke, Campese, Cockayne, Dixon, Goulding, Green, Horne, Kelly, Larroyer, Lunt, Mantellato, McCarthy, Ollett, Salter, Sio, Walker, Welham.
Prediction: This should be a cracker of a contest, and very close. Rovers are on a roll at the moment, and will win an exicting game by four to six points.
Stats:
Castleford have won their last four home meetings with Hull KR, with the Robins’ last away win against the Tigers coming 24-20 on 27 February, 2010.
Tyrone McCarthy needs one appearance to reach 100 whilst in the British game. McCarthy has played club rugby for Warrington (43 games, 2009-2013), Leigh (18 loan games, 2010-2011), Wakefield (7 loan games, 2011), Swinton (11 dual-registration games, 2013) and current club Hull KR (8 games, 2015). He has also represented Ireland 12 times (2009 & 2011-2013).
Josh Mantellato has the longest scoring streak amongst Super League players, having registered points in the Robins’ first nine matches of 2015. His run of consecutive scoring appearances began with five goals in a 40-30 home defeat against Leeds on 8 February.
Super League Summary:
Castleford won 6
Hull KR won 8
Castleford highest score: 54-12 (H, 2014) (also widest margin)
Hull KR highest score: 70-12 (H, 2012) (also widest margin)
Last 10 meetings:
Castleford 54, Hull KR 12 (SLR15, 1/6/14)
Hull KR 10, Castleford 30 (SLR3, 28/2/14)
Castleford 32, Hull KR 24 (SLR14, 5/5/13)
Hull KR 26, Castleford 22 (SLR8, 24/3/13)
Hull KR 70, Castleford 12 (SLR14, 20/5/12)
Castleford 34, Hull KR 30 (SLR9, 30/3/12)
Hull KR 26, Castleford 24 (SLR27, 10/9/11)
Castleford 27, Hull KR 14 (SLR4, 6/3/11)
Hull KR 28, Castleford 26 (SLR24, 1/8/10)
Castleford 20, Hull KR 24 (SLR4, 27/2/10)