It’s losing semi-finalist against triumphant semi-finalist tonight on Sky Sports, as Warrington Wolves take on Wembley-bound Castleford Tigers in a crunch game in the race for the top four.
The Tigers are still in the hunt for the League Leaders Shield this season, but they have rested a number of key players with the Wembley final against Leeds Rhinos just a week away. Captain Michael Shenton is amongst those left out of Daryl Powell’s 19-man squad, with Luke Dorn and Marc Sneyd also left out. Weller Hauraki however, returns from his suspension to take his place in the squad.
Warrington make just a solitary change to their 19, with forward James Laithwaite coming in to replace winger Gene Ormsby, as the Wolves look to draw themselves level on points with Castleford with a victory.
The Squads
Warrington Wolves: Asotasi, Atkins, Bridge, England, Evans, Grix, Harrison, Higham, Hill, Laithwaite, J. Monaghan, M. Monaghan, Myler, O’Brien, Ratchford, Russell, Waterhouse, Westwood, Wood.
Castleford Tigers: Tansey, Lynch, Milner, Hauraki, Massey, Holmes, Mariano, Wheeldon, Ellis, Gibson, Channing, Clare, Finn, Reynolds, Day, Jewitt, Maher, Howden, Moore.
The Stats
Warrington have won their last four home meetings with Castleford, with the Tigers’ last win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium coming 28-6 on 13 April, 2009.
Joel Monaghan is three tries away from 100 for Warrington in Super League games, having scored 97 in the league since joining the club from the NRL.
The Prediction
With Castleford resting so many players ahead of Wembley next weekend, Warrington will be heavy favourites to pick up the win. Expect them to do so, as Cas have one eye cast on their date against the Rhinos next Saturday.
