In the build-up to Saturday’s meeting between the Super League sides, Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers face off in the Reserves grade at Stanningley on Friday night, KO 7pm.
After a varied start to the campaign, Tony Smith’s Rhinos have hit a spell of form as they enter this week’s fixture off the back of a 70-10 win over London and a convincing 40-0 outing against Bradford Bulls.
The win over the Bulls moved the Rhinos up to fifth in the league standings, two points behind Hull FC and St Helens who are in joint-second.
This week’s opposition Castleford have the same amount of wins this season as Leeds, but has played a game less than Friday’s opponents.
The Tigers have been in some close battles this year, edging Huddersfield and Hull in their opening two games. Wigan and Saints are the only sides to beat Cas, with the latter taking out the Tigers in a 24-20 result in mid-May.
Castleford are also looking for their first win against the Rhinos since the Reserves returned in 2022.
