Leeds and Castleford set to decide whose season ends and whose continues

Leeds Rhinos host the Castleford Tigers on Saturday afternoon in a game where the winner takes all for 6^th place in the Super League and the final play-off spot.

This is a huge match in the context of the league, a season defining test for both sides that will end in jubilation on one side and heart break the other.

Salford Red Devils sit 5^th in the league table and wrapped up their play-off spot on Monday evening with a thumping victory over Castleford.

Leeds and Cas are seeking to join the Red Devils along with St. Helens, Wigan Warriors, Huddersfield Giants and Catalan Dragons as the six teams rewarded with a shot at the Grand Final.

Leeds are just one point ahead of Castleford but they hold most of the cards. They are at home and a draw would see them advance through. They could also leapfrog Salford if results go their way to finish 5^th. It would be highly unlikely for Castleford to finish any higher than 6^th.

Not much splits these two Yorkshire clubs across the course of 2022. Both have 13 wins to their name, however, the Tigers have lost an extra match that Leeds drew, giving them the one point deficit. There is, however, an 113 points difference between the two sides largely due to the Rhinos superior defence.

The two sides have already met three times in 2022. Both sides won their respective home ties in the league, with the Tigers coming out on top when the Yorkshire clubs met in the Betfred Challenge Cup.

Both sides lost last time out, nevertheless the Rhinos do come into Saturday in the better form having won six on the bounce before the loss to Catalan on Monday.

The Tigers have lost four of their last six games which has mounted the pressure onto them, although a win on Saturday could give them a huge confidence boost heading into the play-offs.

An away tie at either Huddersfield or Catalan awaits for the winner of this match. Either of these would be another huge task but it’s the opportunity to go on a run and possibly win a major trophy, that will spur both sides on in a clash that is set to be a feisty affair.

As for the team news, the home side make a number of changes to their 19-man squad that travelled to France, two have dropped out and four have come in as coach Rohan Smith names a 21-man squad this time out.

Halfbacks Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin return, with Cameron Smith and James Donaldson also making their way into the squad, leaving Corey Johnson and Muizz Mustapha without a spot.

The visitors have done the opposite to Leeds, bringing just 19 to Headingley after naming a 21-man squad for their previous match.

The two players dropping out of the squad are Danny Richardson, who suffered an injury on Monday, and Liam Watts who has been given a two game ban.

The match is live on Sky Sports Arena from 2:30pm, 3pm kick-off.

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