Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers battle to round off day one of the Magic Weekend

A fierce Yorkshire derby between the Rhinos and the Tigers is set to conclude the action on Saturday in style.

Saturday will have already seen two top of the table clashes before six o’clock, so why not chuck in a Yorkshire derby to round off the day? In a match that is truly steeped in history, blood often boils over, which makes for perfect viewing for the fans still inside St James’ Park on Saturday evening.

When you think of Leeds vs Castleford, you think of the 2017 Grand Final, but fast forward six years and you see one side in eighth and the other in 11^th.

Nearly everybody visions Leeds Rhinos as one of the three juggernauts of English rugby league, given their regular dominance over the competition in the Super League era. However, in recent years they have fallen off the wagon and it was a huge shock to see them in last year’s Grand Final. After another poor start to a campaign in 2023, they will surly look towards this special weekend as one that can kick start their season, and propel them into the playoffs.

As for Castleford, they have also been poor recently. They have only won two games this season in what has been a rotten campaign. Over the last decade the Tigers have been a club that can upset the odds and achieve things that nobody expected them to. Now they find themselves in a relegation battle with their bitter rivals Wakefield Trinity, a huge win over Leeds on Saturday could be massive for the club’s confidence.

The two sides actually met at last years Magic Weekend where the Rhinos came out on top. However, one of Castleford’s two victories this year was against Leeds back in March. As far as the form book goes, Leeds are the clear favourites. The Tigers have lost their last five Super League matches whilst Leeds have been blowing hot on cold over the last two months.

As for the team news, Leeds boss Rohan Smith has been able to recall Blake Austin to their 21-man squad. However, he has lost his halves partner Aiden Sezer, as well as young guns Harry Newman and Morgan Gannon. James Bentley and Alfie Edgell return to the squad.

Tigers coach Andy Last could hand Joe Westerman his 400^th career appearance on Saturday after only making one change to his 21-man squad from last weekend. Jason Qareqare returns from his loan spell at Bradford to replace Alex Sutcluiffe.

 

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