SL Preview: Castleford v Wigan

Castleford welcome back Rangi Chase to the side for their home fixture against the Wigan Warriors on Sunday.

The Tigers will look to build on a respectable 17-17 draw last time at home against the Catalan Dragons.

Wigan however will be looking for back to back wins following their 48-18 hammering of London Broncos.

England International, Chase will return to the side having completed his two-match suspension replacing loan signing Gareth O’Brien.

Forward Weller Hauraki has shaken off a nose injury to make the 19-man cut, as does Jacob Emmitt who makes his first appearance of the season in place of Jonathan Walker.

Wigan Warriors received a blow this week after Lee Mossop dislocated his shoulder in the previous win and faces a spell on the sidelines. Scott Taylor is likely to replace the injured Mossop and Welsh international Rhodri Lloyd is hoping for his first appearance of the campaign.

Castleford Tigers 19-man squad: Owen, Carney, Shenton, Webster, Dixon, Chase, Ellis, Clark, Huby, Gilmour, Hauraki, Millington, Emmitt, Milner, Massey, Holmes, Thompson, Tansey, Mason

Wigan Warriors 19-man squad: Burke, Charnley, Crosby, Dudson, Farrell, Flower, Green, Hughes, Mcllorum, O’Loughlin, Powell, Richards, Smith, Lloyd, Taylor, Thornley, L Tomkins, S Tomkins, Tuson

Prediction: Even with Rangi Chase back in the Cas side I can’t see Wigan losing this game.

Stats:

Castleford are seeking their first win over Wigan in nine matches on Sunday.

The Warriors have won seven of the last eight meetings between the sides, to go with a 22-22 draw at The PROBIZ Coliseum (as it was then known) on 12 June, 2011.

The Tigers’ last victory against the Warriors was 28-22 at the JJB Stadium (as it was then known) on 20 February, 2009. They are without a home win against Wigan in five games – with their last home victory coming 38-18 on 19 March, 2006 – with the sides also fighting out another draw in 2008 (22-22 again).

Wigan’s Josh Charnley has scored tries in his last five games against Castleford as follows: 3-1-2-2-1. The hat-trick he scored was while on loan at Hull KR in 2010.

Super League summary:

Castleford won 7 (includes win in 1999 play-offs)
Wigan won 25 (includes wins in 2002 and 2009 play-offs)
3 draws
Castleford highest score: 38-18 (H, 2006) (also widest margin)
Wigan highest score: 54-12 (H, 2001) (Widest margin: 54-12, H, 2001; 46-4, A, 2012)