MATCH PREVIEW | CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Ahead of our first game in 2023, we're going to preview the action that awaits us!

Giants Squad News

Giants come into this game with it being the first hit out of 2023 after the Bradford friendly was called off due to freezing temperatures, Ian Watson is expected to send a strong squad to the Mend-A-Hose jungle as we celebrate the career of Nathan Massey.

New Signing's Sam Halsall & and Jake Bibby could feature, after being named in the previous squad to face Bradford.

This game marks the start of the 2023 season, with squad news expected to be revealed on Friday afternoon ahead of the Sunday kick off.

The Opposition Team

Castleford Tigers have began their 2023 Pre-Season with a victory and a loss, over Whitehaven most recently and Featherstone Rovers just before the turn of the year.

Head Coach Lee Radford took a younger side to Featherstone, which saw the home side run out 26-10 winners at The Millennium Stadium, Elliot Wallis and Summer Recruit Jack Broadbent scoring the points for the Tigers.

After Jake Webster's testimonial was called off, a stronger squad was selected to face Whitehaven at the LEL Arena, with the Super League outfit proving too strong as they defeated Haven 38-4, Jack Broadbent keeping up his pre-season record with another two tries. The full try scorers were Faraimo 2, Broadbent 2, Mellor, Mamo, Lawler.

It is expected that Lee Radford will select a strong squad for Nathan Massey's testimonial after selecting a younger squad vs Whitehaven RLFC a week ago, with new signing Albert Vete impressing last week, it is expected he will line up again to face the Giants.

Key Men

Castleford Tigers ranks boast some quality that could line up vs the Giants on Sunday, such as wing and centre partners Bureta Faraimo and Mahe Fonua. The Super League veterans boast power and tries after signing from Hull FC in 2022. Since signing, they've scored a combined 13 tries during last season and will pose a threat to the Giants try line. New signing Albert Vete who joined in the off-season from Hull KR also impressed vs Whitehaven, and will be looking to make an impression to the home support.

For the Giants, new recruit Jake Bibby, who boasts an incredible try scoring record from his time at Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils is expected to be included in the squad once again, with returning hooker Nathan Peats also looking for his first Giants appearance since 2021.

Sunday's game promises to be a great occasion vs two quality Betfred Super League sides, ensure you're there to support Nathan Massey on his testimonial with a ticket using this link.

Last Season

The Giants got the better of the Tigers on two occasions last season, with the victories both coming at the John Smith's Stadium, 36-24 and 36-10. However, Castleford defeated us at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle 26-18 with Ian Watson's men looking to overcome this record and nail down a victory at the home of the Tigers and start off 2023 with a win.

Match Information

Venue - Mend-A-Hose Jungle, Castleford, WF10 2SD

Kick Off - 3:30pm

Tickets

Adult - £15.00

Concession - £10.00

Junior (5 - 16) - £7.50

Under 5 - £0.00

Pay on the Day (Cash) will be available with no price increase.

Join In the action!

If you cannot be at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, then follow minute by minute updates on our Twitter account @Giantsrl, with behind the scenes clips posted on our official Instagram account @giantsrl_official.