Women’s preview: Castleford

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan Warriors Women’s Betfred Women’s Super League Play-Off match against Castleford Tigers Women.

The Warriors Women face the Tigers at Robin Park Arena on Sunday 29th August (3pm K.O.).

Campaign so far

Wigan head into the fixture having played seven games in the Betfred Women’s Super League, with five wins and two losses, with the two defeats coming in their most recent games. After a ferocious start to the campaign winning five from five, the Warriors suffered defeat from Leeds Rhinos and York City Knights before the mid-season break.

The Warriors are boosted that going into the Play-Offs they are able to play back home at the Robin Park Arena for the first time since 2019, with the addition of fans allowed back into the ground. 

Injury news

The Warriors still have a couple of players with small injuries. Alison Burrows and Emily Stirzaker miss out on the squad with ongoing injuries, but head coach Kris Ratcliffe hopes for their return in the next few weeks.

The Warriors have strengthened their squad this week, with the addition of former Bradford Bulls half back Stacey Greenwood, who joins the Warriors and is in the squad for this Sunday’s game.

Head-to-head

The fixture sees the two sides face off for the sixth time in the competition. The Warriors recently beat the Tigers for the first time ever with a confident win in July.

Last four meetings:

• Wigan 22-8 Castleford
• Castleford 56-8 Wigan
• Wigan 14-36 Castleford
• Wigan 10-12 Castleford

Summary:

Wigan wins: 1
Castleford wins: 4
Draws: 1

Team news

Head coach Ratcliffe has named his 19-player squad to face Castleford Tigers on Sunday afternoon.

1. Rebecca Greenfield
2. Leah Darbyshire
3. Rachel Thompson
4. Georgia Wilson
19. Anna Mary Davies
8. Holly Speakman
9. Carys Marsh
10. Jade Gregory-Haselden
11. Vanessa Temple
12. Paige Costello
13. Victoria Molyneux
14. Emily Baggaley
15. Emma Dwyer
16. Lucy Baggaley
17. Eleanor Dainty
21. Olivia Frain
24. Aimee Wood
29. Freya Hellin
33. Stacey Greenwood

Coach quotes

Women’s boss Ratcliffe is relishing the chance to be back on home soil for the first time since 2019. He said: “The break has been longer than we would’ve liked. It was originally meant to be a two or three week break but the RFL made a decision to break early due to the increase in Covid in the community so it’s been five weeks between games. 

“It’s been difficult in the sense that people had booked breaks during the initial rest period so that has affected continuity somewhat. We have just used it like another mini pre-season and our conditioner has really put the girls through some intense work – topping up conditioning levels ready for the Play-Off push.”

On the opposition, he said: “Castleford are always a tough side. They have some of the best players in the competition amongst their five England players. The defeat to us a few weeks ago hurt them and that coupled with losing players to York is going to fuel their passion. We need to be ready and make sure we match that intensity and enthusiasm.”

The Warriors are back at Robin Park Arena this Sunday, with spectators also allowed to come and watch the game. Ratcliffe said: “It’s great to finally be back playing at Robin Park Arena and it’s going to be a great experience for the girls to finally use the full facilities, home changing rooms and all the support facilities. Those little details have been watered down somewhat playing at a central venue at Warrington’s Victoria Park. Having a home crowd to back them – everything is in place for a strong performance.”

On Wigan’s new signing Stacey Greenwood, Ratcliffe stated: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring her in. Stacey is a quality signing who is hungry to play in the top games. She will add competition and hunger as we look to secure our first target of a Semi-Final place.”

Ticket Info

Tickets are available on the day to see Wigan Warriors Women take on Castleford Tigers Women at Robin Park Arena. For the first time in almost two years, fans can see the Warriors Women on home turf with tickets priced at £5 for Adults and £3 for Concessions. Fans can pay on the day at Robin Park Arena. Please note it is cash only.

Wigan TV

The game will be streamed live on Wigan TV with full match commentary. Highlights and match reaction will be available following the result. Not a subscriber? Find out more HERE.

Social media

Wigan fans can keep up-to-date with 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 the thoughts of head coach Kris Ratcliffe.