28th Sept : The Betfred SL Semi Final 1 : Castleford Tigers v St Helens K.O. 7.45 pm Sky TV

[Old Frightful]

Discuss the Betfred SL Semi Final 1 between Castleford Tigers and St Helens here.

[Old Frightful]

I thought, given the importance of these games, it was only right to sneak in an extra day's discussion leading up to them.

I can't wait for this one, sure to be an epic, nervy encounter at the Jungle. 

Can Cas continue their league season form and blow Saints away or will Saints bring their big match play off mentality and keep it close, possibly winning?

I don't think either team will win by many, I reckon it might even be a draw with extra time, however I just think the huge amount of expectation on Cas may weigh heavily on them and Saints could possibly nick it.

Cas 22 Saints 24.

[Davo5]

Saints are bang average,can't see anything but a Cas win 26-12.

[muckymunksy]

Cas 32-10 Saints 

[bamfordsbeans]

Does anybody know why the kick off times have been changed to 7.45?

[Eleftherios]

Cas by 10

[muckymunksy]

42 minutes ago, bamfordsbeans said:

Does anybody know why the kick off times have been changed to 7.45?

So kids can get to bed earlier for School 

[Jim Prendle]

Saints.

[Old Frightful]

Child added to Saints' squad as reward for not sending Walmsley off last week.

[Gerrumonside ref]

Seem to remember last time Saints played at the Jungle it was an Herculean effort by the defence that carried them to the win.

It'll take another big effort this time.

I put a cheeky tenner on Saints when they went out to 14/1 to win the GF earlier in the season so I'm probably a bit biased here:

Castleford 16-20 St Helens

[fieldofclothofgold]

Cas  must be up for this game ,so near now . Cas 26 saints 12.

[Amber Avenger]

Excited to see what Cas do here - I've said all season if they get a semi at home they'll absolutely thump the opposition but perhaps struggle in the final. Saints are much improved of late, but I'm going to stick my neck on the line and say Cas will still win comfortably. 

[yipyee]

3 hours ago, Davo5 said:

Saints are bang average,can't see anything but a Cas win 26-12.

Right score...wrong way round... if the league form is anything to go by...

[Gates1]

Cas squad

[Cumbrian Fanatic]

35 minutes ago, Gates1 said:

Cas squad

Gale in the squad, wonder how much of a gamble that is? Fitness test Wed apparently

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/41400913

[bobbruce]

I think Saints will dig in but I'm not sure they've got enough points in them to win this one. That said they have nothing to lose and go into the game as massive underdogs. All down to how Cas handle the pressure. 

[Gates1]

10 minutes ago, Cumbrian Fanatic said:

Gale in the squad, wonder how much of a gamble that is? Fitness test Wed apparently

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/41400913

Noises coming from Cas camp are that he will play.  Back light training apparently going to 'get knocked about' Wednesday to see how he copes. Regardless of Gales fitness I think 17 would have come from that squad anyway with McShane in half's if Gale drops out.

Apparently Chris Green who played for Hull Friday had same opp 3 weeks before that game.  Gale will be 16 days post opp so hopefully won't be an issue for a back (as opposed to a forward like Green).

[jacksy]

Cas win please.

[Cumbrian Fanatic]

34 minutes ago, Gates1 said:

Noises coming from Cas camp are that he will play.  Back light training apparently going to 'get knocked about' Wednesday to see how he copes. Regardless of Gales fitness I think 17 would have come from that squad anyway with McShane in half's if Gale drops out.

Apparently Chris Green who played for Hull Friday had same opp 3 weeks before that game.  Gale will be 16 days post opp so hopefully won't be an issue for a back (as opposed to a forward like Green).

Great to hear it, I hope he's fine. Normally I'm quite neutral going to the Grand Final, though I tend to lean towards the underdog or a team that hasn't won it before, generally I'm not that bothered I just hope for a good game. This year I really really want Castleford to win the whole thing, preferably playing Hull in the final.

Think, and hope Castleford by 12

[Human Punk]

Can't see Cas losing.

I'd hope Gale will be on the bench, with a 10 minute cameo at the end when the game's already safe, probably to score another couple of tries just to rub it in.

44-10 to Cas.

[ivans82]

Looking forward to a Cas victory with both teams in their proper strips please .

[Viking Warrior]

i think saints will win and go on to win the grand final

[Roy Boy]

I just don't see Saints having enough!

I think they've flattered to deceive and will find Cas too hot to handle...

 

Cas 34 v 16 Saints

[tonyXIII]

I sincerely hope Cas win this one (and Hull the other) so we can have a fresh name on the trophy at long last.

 

[JohnM]

1 hour ago, tonyXIII said:

I sincerely hope Cas win this one (and Hull the other) so we can have a fresh name on the trophy at long last.

 

And an all- Yorkshire final to boot. .  ?