Castleford Tigers v St Helens: former NRL ace in debut contention as Challenge Cup 21-man squads named
Castleford Tigers boss Ryan Carr has made one change to his initial squad for Saturday’s home clash with St Helens.
Fijian international Semi Valemei could make his Tigers debut in the Betfred Challenge Cup fourth round tie. Valemei joined Tigers in pre-season from NRL outfit North Queensland Cowboys, but has yet to make an appearance after suffering a hamstring injury in training. He replaces Brad Singleton - who didn’t play against Leeds Rhinos last weekend - in Castleford’s 21.
Brock Greacen could also make his comeback from injury after being an unused squad member last week. Chris Atkin and Jimmy Beckett are the other two players vying for a call into the matchday side. Louis Senior, Cain Robb, Fletcher Rooney and Alex Mellor remain on the long-term casualty list.
Saints are without Jacob Host (broken leg), George Delaney (concussion) and Nene Macdonald from last week’s win against Bradford Bulls because of injury and Joe Shorrocks begins a two-match ban. Agnatius Paasi, Alfie Sinclair, Jake Burns and Chris Matagi have been drafted into the 21.
Tigers’ 21 is: Semi Valemei, Zac Cini, Darnell McIntosh, Mikaele Ravalawa, Daejarn Asi, Tom Weaver, Renouf Atoni, Liam Hood, George Lawler, Jordan Lane, Joe Stimson, Brock Greacen, Jack Ashworth, Joe Westerman, Chris Atkin, Jason Qareqare, Krystian Mapapalangi, Sam Hall, Jimmy Beckett, Ashton Golding, George Hirst.
Saints’ 21 is: Kyle Feldt, Harry Robertson, Mark Percival, Deon Cross, Tristan Sailor, Daryl Clark, Curtis Sironen, Shane Wright, David Klemmer, Matt Whitley, George Whitby, Jake Wingfield, Agnatius Paasi, Lewis Murphy, Noah Stephens, ake Burns, Owen Dagnall, Jake Davies, Alfie Sinclair, Jackson Hastings, Chris Matagi.
Saints are without Jacob Host (broken leg), George Delaney (concussion) and Nene Macdonald from last week’s win against Bradford Bulls because of injury and Joe Shorrocks begins a two-match ban. Agnatius Paasi, Alfie Sinclair, Jake Burns and Chris Matagi have been drafted into the 21.