Match preview: Castleford

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Thursday’s Betfred Super League clash with Castleford Tigers.

Wigan return to the DW Stadium for the first time in 2021 in what will be a meeting of two sides that have so far gone unbeaten this season (K.O. 6pm).

Wigan last played at the DW Stadium in November 2020, beating Hull FC in the Betfred Super League Semi Final.

Team news

Prop forward Liam Byrne returned for selection after serving a one-match penalty notice last week for a Grade B Dangerous Contact offence against York City Knights.

After being named in last week’s 21-man squad but missing out on match day due to a slight back issue, Bevan French is named in the squad to face Castleford.

Injury news

Speaking earlier this week, Lam highlighted a slight injury concern for Tommy Leuluai. “He’s got a sternum issue. We will see how he pulls up and give it until captain’s run to decide.”

The half back was named in the 21 to face Castleford on Thursday night.

Dom Manfredi missed out this week, after Lam confirmed the winger had taken a knock in training to the injured hand which has kept him out of action so far this season.

Oliver Gildart continues his recovery from a groin strain which has also kept him sidelined in 2021 so far.

Jai Field remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring tear in Round 1 against Leigh Centurions

Liam Marshall continues his recovery from a knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament) which has kept him sidelined since September 2020.

Wigan Warriors 21-man squad to face Castleford

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 21-R4-1200x675_21-man-Squad-1024x576.png

The Opposition

Earlier this week Daryl Powell named his 21-man squad to face Wigan. Powell’s side will be without Jesse Sene-Lefao who was handed a one-match penalty notice this week for a Grade B (Dangerous Contact) offence committed against Leigh Centurions in Round 3.

Gareth O’Brien also looks set to miss out through injury. Danny Richardson and Brad Martin come into the 21.

Previous meetings

Last ten meetings

  • Wigan 30, Castleford 22 (SLR18, 29/8/20) (at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington)
  • Castleford 16, Wigan 12 (SLR2, 7/2/20)
  • Wigan 26, Castleford 8 (SLR29, 12/9/19)
  • Wigan 6, Castleford 4 (SLR13, 27/4/19)
  • Castleford 38, Wigan 28 (SLR9, 5/4/19)
  • Wigan 14, Castleford 0 (SLSF, 5/10/18)
  • Wigan 24, Castleford 22 (SLS8-R1, 10/8/18)
  • Castleford 19, Wigan 18 (SLR6, 22/6/18)
  • Wigan 28, Castleford 12 (SLR12, 20/4/18)
  • Wigan 20, Castleford 38 (SLS8-R6, 17/9/17)

Super League summary

Wigan wins: 37 (includes wins in 2002, 2009 and 2018 play-offs)

Castleford wins: 17 (includes win in 1999 play-offs)

3 draws

Milestones

Zak Hardaker needs just 9 points to reach 1,000 in his professional career so far.

Ollie Partington is in line to make his 50th appearance for the club on Thursday evening.

Coach quotes

Adrian Lam faced the media via Zoom link earlier this week to discuss the Round 4 fixture.

On the opposition, the Papua New Guinean said: “They’ve been in pretty good form. They play an open brand of rugby and it’ll be our toughest game yet.

“They are undefeated, they’ve shown they can come from behind and that they can score points from any part of the field. It’s a challenge we are excited for.” 

Although the Cherry and Whites have had an unbeaten start to the season, Lam discussed where he wants his side to improve over the coming weeks.

“Our intent and actions have been ten out of ten. We’ve made mistakes in our skills and execution, and that’s where we can improve.” 

Match officials

The man in the middle on Thursday night will be Chris Kendall. Running the lines will be Liam Moore and Liam Rush.

Referee Chris Kendall

How to Follow

Our League

Live coverage will be available to season ticket holders via the RFL’s Our League app and website, with the coverage expected to begin around 15-20 minutes before kick-off.

Our League access codes have been sent via email to the addresses registered against the accounts of all 2021 season ticket holders , so if you’ve signed up for this season, please check your email for a step-by-step guide on how to activate your code and enjoy live streaming of every behind closed doors game we play in Betfred Super League this season.

If for any reason you haven’t received the email/codes you were due for your full group, please email info@wiganwarriors.com with the relevant name(s) and client code(s) so that we can help to forward any details that you’re missing ahead of the game.

Listen LIVE

Join commentary team Joe Mills and Bilko (Andrew Rimmer) as they bring you free live commentary of the whole game. Head to the Wigan Warriors home page here from 15 minutes before kick off and click ‘Listen Live’.

Alternatively, head to https://mixlr.com/wigantv to enjoy the commentary and join in the conversation with fellow fans.

Social Media

Furthermore, Wigan fans can follow every piece of the action via our social media channels and website.

  • Twitter (@WiganWarriorsRL) – live game updates and reaction at the final hooter.
  • Instagram (@wiganwarriorsrl) – behind-the-scenes action, both before and after kick-off.
  • Facebook (Wigan Warriors) – live matchday information and reaction.
  • Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) – post-match reaction including match report, and head coach and players reaction.

Missing the buzz of the Golden Gamble Draw on matchdays? Never fear… its all-new online twin the Virtual 50/50 Half Time Draw is here to offer you great prizes and keep providing a huge revenue boost to our famed Academy! Click here for more info.

Wednesday 21 April 2021