19 Sep 2023

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

The classic

After defeat in the Regal Trophy to Wigan, Leeds bounced back into Championship action on Boxing Day to beat Castleford 25-18.

David Creasser, Paul Delaney, Carl Gibson and David Heron got on the scoresheet for the home side as they moved into third place in the league table.

The big scoreline

The Rhinos touched the top of the Super League table in July 2004 thanks to a 46-14 win over the Tigers.

On a run of three straight league wins, Willie Poching was the star of the night with his hat trick to help Tony Smith's side to a convincing win on home soil.

The last meeting

Last year's matchup between the Rhinos and Tigers at Headingley saw the Rhinos seal a Play Off berth with late drama.

A low scoring affair looked to have swung the way of the Tigers with Jake Mamo's second half try, but the Rhinos came back with Kruise Leeming and Aidan Sezer crossing in the final 15 minutes.

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...

- Chris Clarkson: The forward came through the Academy at Leeds and went on to claim Grand Final glory in 2011 as part of the side that defeated St Helens at Old Trafford. He featured in the World Club Challenge win over Manly a year later before moving onto Hull KR and Castleford, where he spent a season. He recently announced his retirement from the game after three seasons with York RLFC Knights.

- Danny Ward: Castleford's newest coach arrives back at Headingley for the first time since his London side shocked the Rhinos 18-16 in 2019. Ward was a member of Leeds' golden generation that lifted the 2004 Grand Final trophy and played 118 games in blue and amber. He had a sole season at Cas in 2006, but returned earlier this season following the departure of Andy Last.

- Paul McShane: Hooker Paul McShane rose through the ranks at the Rhinos and went on to be a Man of Steel winner with the Tigers. Signing for Leeds in 2009 from local side Hunslet, McShane played 55 times for Leeds before moving the short distance to Castleford, via Wakefield, where he became one of the competition's best hookers. 2020 in particular was a special season as he was awarded the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award for a stellar campaign.

Tickets available now

Ticket prices for Friday night's game start from £24 for adults, £16** for concessions and £12 for juniors. Fans can book tickets online here (tickets.therhinos.co.uk) or call our Ticket Office on 0371 423 1315 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

(Please note that ticket prices increase by £3 on matchday)