Castleford Tigers news: star back returns but only 20-man named to face Wigan Warriors
Castleford Tigers coach Ryan Carr has been unable to name a full 20-man squad for Sunday’s game at Wigan Warriors.
Wigan hooker Tom Forber and Warrington Wolves winger Jake Thewlis have been recalled from loan deals since playing in Tigers’ previous game, a 34-0 home defeat by Wakefield Trinity two weeks ago. Forward Joe Westerman has also dropped out of the initial squad.
Winger Semi Valemei, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, is recalled to the 20, along with half-back Jenson Windley. Hooker Liam Hood, who was in the squad for the Easter derby but didn’t play, is expected to make his return from knee surgery. Winger Mikaele Ravalawa also retains his place in the initial group after a lower leg kept him off the field last time out.
Wigan are without half-back Harry Smith and forward Sam Walters after they were each banned for three games following last weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup win at Wakefield. They are replaced in the 21 by Ethan Havard and Jonny Vaughan.
Tigers’ 20 is: Semi Valemei, Zac Cini, Darnell McIntosh, Mikaele Ravalawa, Daejarn Asi, Tom Weaver, Renouf Atoni, Liam Hood, George Lawler, Jordan Lane, Alex Mellor, Joe Stimson, Brock Greacen, Jack Ashworth, Aidan Doolan, Jason Qareqare, Krystian Mapapalangi, Jenson Windley, Sam Hall, George Hirst.
Wigan’s 21 is: Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Liam Marshall, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis, Patrick Mago, Ollie Partington, Jack Farrimond, Sam Eseh, Tom Forber, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, Lukas Mason, Noah Hodkinson, Jonny Vaughan, Dayon Sambou.