Talking points: Round 5 vs Castleford

Andy Last's Castleford side clash with Rohan Smith's Leeds Rhinos this Thursday night at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, KO 7pm. The Rhinos are looking to extend their winning streak in the league, following positive results against St Helens and Wakefield, while the home side aims to win their first game of the season.

Before both teams take to the field, here are three talking points ahead of the game…

Battle of the young backs

Tomorrow night is likely to see a handful of Super League most exciting prospects take to the field, especially across each team's back lines.

Where the Tigers look the most dangerous though is at their edges, thanks to academy product and Fijian international Jason Qareqare. The 19-year-old is one of the competition's future stars and has eight tries in twelve appearances in black and amber. Jack Broadbent is another player that Leeds fans know well. The England Knights international had a break-out season in 2021 with the Rhinos and is hoping to find that form again at Wheldon Road.

Elsewhere, Castleford have young forward Sam Hall returning to the squad to join former Rhino Muizz Mustapha in Last's 21-man squad.

On the opposite side of the field, Broadbent's Leeds academy team mate Harry Newman marked his return in style last week against Wakefield following a long-term absence.

Luis Roberts is also included in Smith's squad for the second week running, but competition for a spot is high, especially after the performances of Derrell Olpherts, Nene Macdonald and David Fusitu'a in recent weeks.

Handley a miss, Sangare and Leeming bolster forwards

Looking at Smith's 21-man squad, the big miss from the win over Wakefield is Ash Handley, who left the field in the first half through injury.

In his place, the Rhinos can welcome back Justin Sangare, who has been on fire at the start of his career at Headingley. Regularly a top performer off the bench in the opening three rounds, he is back to add more power to a Leeds pack that saw Sam Lisone and James Bentley return last time out.

Kruise Leeming is also included to give the Rhinos a third option at hooker. Jarrod O'Connor had a good outing against Trinity at Headingley, plus Corey Johnson was the 18th man following his man-of-the-match performance in the Reserves win a fortnight ago.

Experience a key factor for Tigers

Despite not winning a game so far this season, Castleford have the tools at their disposal to start firing on all cylinder.

Half back duo Gareth Widdop and Jacob Miller may be a new pairing for the season but both have played plenty of games in Super League and the NRL. Miller has been one of Wakefield's best players for eight years (especially when the club rose into the Play Offs in the late 2010s), whilst Widdop, who ended a tough few years at Warrington last season, was one of the NRL's top half backs during his time with St George Illawarra.

Another international and spine player Paul McShane is a Man of Steel winner during his time with the Tigers. Regarded as one of the competition's top hookers during the Tigers' rise under Daryl Powell, Leeds fans are also aware of his threat and work rate out of dummy half.

These three players are key components for the Tigers to get their season going.

Tickets on sale 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.