Castleford Tigers news: 21-man squad named to face much-changed St Helens
Interim-coach Chris Chester has named his initial squad for Castleford Tigers’ final game of the season, at St Helens on Friday.
After a year of disruption because of injuries and suspensions, Chester - who will hand over to incoming boss Ryan Carr in pre-season - has announced an unchanged 21 from last week’s 62-6 drubbing at Wigan Warriors. In contrast, opposite number Paul Wellens has made seven alterations to his squad following Saints’ 28-10 defeat at Leigh Leopards in their previous match.
Saints are guaranteed to finish fifth and will visit the fourth-placed side - likely to be Leeds Rhinos - in the Betfred Super League play-offs last weekend. Alex Walmsley (concussion) and George Delaney (one-match ban) drop out, along with Mark Percival, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, Curtis Sironen and Harry Robertson.
Morgan Knowles is back in contention after concussion and Lewis Murphy and Noah Stephens return from injury. There’s also a call-up for youngsters Will Roberts, Leon Cowen, Jake Davies and Cole Marsh.
Tigers’ 21 is: Tex Hoy, Jason Qareqare, Zak Cini, Sam Wood, Daejarn Asi, Liam Horne, George Lawler, Alex Mellor, Joe Westerman, George Griffin, Cain Robb, Sam Hall, Muizz Mustapha, Louis Senior, Will Tate, George Hill, Jenson Windley, Brad Singleton, Chris Atkin, Joe Stimson, Elliot Wallis.
Saints’ initial squad is: Jack Welsby, Kyle Feldt, Jon Bennison, Tristan Sailor, Jonny Lomax, Joe Batchelor, Morgan Knowles, Moses Mbye, James Bell, Matt Whitley, Agnatius Paasi, Lewis Murphy, Noah Stephens, Jake Burns, George Whitby, Will Roberts, Leon Cowen, Jake Davies, Cole Marsh, Deon Cross, Shane Wright.