Flashback: Castleford Tigers

Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers meet at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle this Thursday in round five of the Betfred Super League, kick off 8pm.

In the build-up to the game, take a look back at some classic past Super League encounters and notable names that have played for both clubs:

Previous matches

In Super League, the Rhinos have won 61% of their meetings with Castleford. Excluding when the Tigers were relegated in 2005 and 2007, Leeds won 22 of 34 meetings in the league between 1996 and 2010, including a 76-12 result at Headingley in 2009.

Recent meetings have seen Castleford turn the tables, including winning three of the last five matches at Wheldon Road.

The classic

Flashing back to the early 90s, Leeds managed to hold out a stubborn Castleford side at the Jungle mid-way through the 1994-95 season. Alan Tait, Francis Cummins, Ellery Hanley and George Mann got the tries for the visitors, while late scores from Andy Hay and current Leeds Academy coach Tony Smith wasn't enough to stop Doug Laughton's side from taking the two points.

The close-call

Leeds Rhinos needed a last-second penalty from captain Kevin Sinfield to snatch a 24-22 win over Castleford Tigers.

Despite the constant rain and horrendous conditions, the Rhinos took a healthy 16-0 lead in as many minutes but a surprise comeback from the home side ensued. With the teams locked at 22-22 in the final ten minutes, an error from Michael Shenton gave Leeds the chance to kick and penalty goal and Sinfield stepped up to win the game in a dramatic fashion.

The last meeting

Leeds Rhinos were involved in another tight clash on Easter Monday as Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s side lost out 16-14 to Castleford Tigers at Wheldon Road.

Rhyse Martin scored all the points for the visitors, who brought the game level at 8-8 before the hour mark. The sin-binning of James Bentley proved crucial though as a try from Liam Watts and goals from Gareth O'Brien saw the Tigers win their second game of the year.

Connections

During the Super League era, there are plenty of players and coaches that have been part of both Leeds and Castleford teams down the years. Here are just a few that you might remember...

Paul McShane - A hooker, who was brought through the Academy system at Leeds, McShane went on to win a World Club title with Leeds in 2012. After 12 tries in 55 appearances in blue and amber, he moved to Castleford, where he won the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award in 2020.

Jordan Tansey - Another Rhinos academy product, Tansey played in blue and amber for three years. He ended up at Castleford in 2013 and was a regular under Ian Millward and Daryl Powell until the full-back departed midway through 2015.

Luke Gale - Four seasons at Castleford saw Luke Gale become one of the top halves in the Super League competition in the late 2010s. He lifted the Man of Steel trophy as the Tigers lifted the League Leaders' Shield in 2017, before signing for Leeds in 2020. He led the Rhinos to a Challenge Cup title in his debut season, kicking the winning drop goal at Wembley.

Ashley Gibson - Signed from Stanningley, Ashley Gibson played 32 games and scored 70 points between 2005 and 2009 for Leeds. Following a spell at Salford, he was signed by Castleford in 2014 and made 29 appearances under Daryl Powell.

Get your tickets now!

Tickets for our away Betfred Super League game against Castleford Tigers will be available to purchase online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk, over the phone on 0371 423 1315 and from Leeds Rhinos Club Shop (Opening Hours) from 10am on Monday 6th March. 

Prices start from just £22 for adults and £14 for juniors.

To find out more, click here.