Castleford Tigers face Leigh Leopards in a game that both sides seem to see as a must-win in Super League tonight.
The Tigers, after five excellent performances and three wins, faltered slightly in defeat to Salford Red Devils last week.
They’ll be without one of their brightest talents tonight, as head coach Craig Lingard revealed in his press conference: “Jason Qareqare pulled out this morning with a hamstring twinge so Fletch (Fletcher Rooney) will be on that right wing.”
Fletcher Rooney made a Super League debut last year at full-back for Castleford Tigers, but this will be his first senior game on the wing.
In addition, another player had to drop out: “Sam Hall missed a few weeks due to a shoulder injury and he got a stinger in the Salford game on his opposite shoulder and he still hasn’t got his strength back.”
In other squad news, George Lawler will start at hooker, coming in for the banned Liam Horne, as Lingard said be prefers Cain Robb to come on from the bench, while Dan Hindmarsh-Takyi could make a much-awaited debut.
Head coach Adrian Lam revealed in his press conference yesterday: “I think Gaz O’Brien, obviously he was knocked out and had the HIA fail. He won’t play for a couple of games now.”
Therefore, it seems pretty certain that new recruit Bailey Hodgson will be making his Leigh Leopards debut, returning to play the club with whom he made his Super League debut – and only previous Super League appearance – in 2020.