SL Preview: Leeds v Castleford
Leeds are boosted by the return of experienced prop Kylie Leuluai to the squad, for the first time since March.
Joel Moon also returns after suspension, but England iternational full-back Zak Hardaker is absent with an ankle injury.
Scott Moore returns for Cas, who also feature former Leeds prop Ryan Bailey in their group.
A minute’s silence will be held ahead of kick-off for former Rhinos academy player James Brook, who died this week after a battle with cancer.
Prediction: Leeds will have too much strength for a committed Cas, and win by six to eight points.
Leeds (19-man squad): Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Aiton, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield, S Ward, Cuthbertson, Sutcliffe, Singleton, Keinhorst, Walters, Handley, Lilley
Castleford (19-man squad): Bailey, Boyle, Finn, Gale, Gibson, Holmes, Lynch, Maher, Massey, McMeeken, Millington, Milner, Moore, Moors, Roberts, Shenton, Solomona, Tansey, Webster.
Stats:
Leeds are undefeated in their last six meetings with Castleford, having won five and drawn one. The Tigers’ last win against the Rhinos was 14-12 at home on 10 February, 2013. The Rhinos are also undefeated in their last five home meetings with Castleford (one draw, four wins), with the Tigers’ last victory at Headingley coming 24-10 on 5 February, 2010.
Michael Shenton needs three tries to reach 150 for his career. Shenton has scored 124 tries for Castleford (2004-2010 & 2013-2015), to go with 20 for St Helens (2011-2012) and 3 for England (2008-2011 & 2014). He also needs one appearance to reach 300 for his career – made up of 229 games for Castleford, 58 for St Helens and 12 for England.
Super League Summary:
Leeds won 29 (includes win in 2000 play-offs)
Castleford won 11 (includes win in 1999 play-offs)
Three draws
Leeds highest score: 76-12 (H, 2009) (also widest margin)
Castleford highest score: 38-20 (H, 2008) (also widest margin)
Last 10 meetings:
Castleford 12, Leeds 26 (SLR8, 3/4/15)
Castleford 10, Leeds 23 (CCF, 23/8/14) (at Wembley Stadium)
Leeds 24, Castleford 24 (SLR21, 17/7/14)
Castleford 14, Leeds 22 (SLR12, 8/5/14)
Leeds 42, Castleford 24 (SLR18, 7/6/13)
Leeds 28, Castleford 12 (CCR4, 19/4/13)
Castleford 14, Leeds 12 (SLR2, 10/2/13)
Leeds 40, Castleford 22 (SLR18, 24/6/12)
Castleford 14, Leeds 36 (SLR5, 2/3/12)
Leeds 56, Castleford 0 (SLR24, 12/8/11)