The local derby is here once again, and Trinity fans will be hoping for a response from Chris Chester’s men, after a disappointing defeat in a scorching Perpignan last Saturday.

Both teams head into this game on the back of losses, but Trinity have the home advantage this time round.

Castleford come into this match after losing out to Leeds Rhinos, while Trinity will be hoping to right their recent wrongs.

It is set to be a tough contest between the rivals, as both teams have the ambition of achieving a top-five finish, so it will be two crucial points up for grabs on Friday evening.

Trinity

Trinity took a setback last week against Catalans Dragons, after their fantastic win over Huddersfield previously. Although it has been a frustrating few months for Trinity with injuries, they return to home soil on Friday in hope of claiming bragging rights and showcasing an improved performance.

James Batchelor and Max Jowitt return for the derby match after lengthy injury stints, and Mason Caton-Brown also features. Unfortunately however, David Fifita is ruled out of this one with a foot injury.

Trinity will be determined to rediscover their winning ways, and aim to become more consistent in the remaining eight games, as a play-off place is still well in reach.

Tigers

Castleford have had their share of injuries this season, yet they currently sit sixth; two places above Trinity in the Betfred Super League table.

The Tigers have won only two of their last five games, but Trinity cannot afford to take their neighbours lightly, as Trinity are seeking their first win over Castleford since 2015 in round one.

Daryl Powell has made four changes to his 19-man squad from last week, which sees Jake Trueman and Tuoyo Egodo return. Youngster Jacques O’Neill comes into the team, and the Tigers welcome back Oliver Holmes for the first time since April.

Daryl Powell admits his side need to be better than they were last week, and recognises the threat Trinity can pose.

The ones to watch include long-serving Tiger and captain Michael Shenton, winger Greg Minikin, and former Trinity player Paul McShane, as well as the likes of Oliver Holmes, Mike McMeeken and Jesse Sene-Lefao.

Thriving youngster and half-back Jake Trueman is another player Trinity will be looking out for, and not forgetting NRL star and Samoan international Peter Mata’utia. Recent NRL signing Cheyse Blair is another one to watch for the Tigers at centre, as is Liam Watts who sits first with the most offloads (50), and is currently third on the stats for Super League’s most tackles at 763.

Previous meetings

Trinity haven’t had the best record against the Tigers in recent seasons, and there is certainly no love lost between the two. Trinity last met with Castleford in mid-April, where they painfully lost out 28-26, despite an incredible comeback late on in the second half.

Castleford have edged Trinity numerous times, including the 6-11 loss at home to the Tigers last season, and the agonising 2017 24-25 home loss – the infamous late minute Luke Gale drop goal. Other past meetings between the two haven’t been memorable for the right reasons for Trinity over the years, which gives further incentive to overcome this on Thursday night.

Trinity last secured a victory against Castleford in 2015, winning 22-24 away, after a late Danny Washbrook try under the sticks up the Tigers’ end of the field. Another notable victory includes the 36-22 win in 2013, where Liam Kay raced down the touchline to score the match-winner on the 79th minute in front of a home crowd; the win meaning Trinity finished a place above the Tigers that year.

Squads

Trinity (19-man squad) – Arundel, Batchelor, Brough, Caton-Brown, Crowther, England, Hampshire, Hirst, Jones-Bishop, Jowitt, King, Kopczak, Lyne, Miller, Pauli, Randell Tanginoa, Tupou, Wood.

Castleford Tigers (19-man squad) – Blair, Clare, Clarkson, Egodo, Holmes, Maher, Massey, Mata’utia, McMeeken, McShane, Millington, Milner, Minikin, O’Neill, Rankin, Sene-Lefao, Smith, Trueman, Watts