The Yorkshire rivalry between Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers gains a new chapter this Sunday as the Tigers travel to AMT Headingley in round three, kick off 3pm.

As Danny McGuire prepares to take on his side for the first time since taking over as Castleford boss in the off-season, here's everything you need to know about our opposition, Castleford Tigers:

A brief history in Super League...

Castleford have only missed two years of Super League since the move to the summer era back in 1996.

As one of the competition's founding members, John Joyner led his Castleford side to ninth and tenth placed finishes in the first two years in the competition, but it was Stuart Raper who earned plaudits around the league when he took the Tigers to within one game of the Grand Final in 1999. Another Play Off campaign followed in 2000 before Raper departed for Wigan, but his replacement Graham Steadman also brought Play Off rugby to the Jungle in 2002 after a 14-win season.

For all their early Play Off success, the club battled relegation between 2004 and 2008 when they were relegated to the second division twice for the 2005 and 2007 seasons. Terry Matterson headed up the club's rise back into Super League on the second occasion and was responsible for bringing through talents such as Kirk Dixon, Michael Shenton and Joe Westerman during the late 2000s. 

Top six finishes evaded the Tigers as the club stepped into 2010 until Daryl Powell's arrival from Featherstone midway through 2013. Quickly setting the foundations for a fruitful eight years at the club, Powell got the Tigers to their first Challenge Cup Final since 1992 when they met Leeds in the 2014 Final, and pushed Castleford into finishing as Play Off contenders for six straight seasons. The club was best known for their wingers during that time as Justin Carney, Denny Solomona and Greg Eden all flourished in Powell's system, plus Luke Gale built his reputation as one of the competition's rising halves, particularly in 2017.

That season was one to remember for Tigers fans as they saw their dreams of silverware come true with a League Leaders' Shield, and a historic semi final win over St Helens set up their one and only Grand Final outing.

They were Super League semi finalists in 2018 and 2019 too, but since Powell's departure they've not been able to reach the heights of previous years. Now the baton is handed to Danny McGuire, who is tasked with turning the Tigers around.

Round Two Review

Facing St Helens in their first home game of the year, Castleford Tigers couldn't overcome Paul Wellens' side, who claimed a 46-6 win. Sylvester Namo was the Tigers' only try scorer with a short range effort.

Take a look at the highlights:

Standout Stats!

3

Castleford have lost their opening three Super League games in the last three years. After Daryl Powell's departure at the end of 2021, the club has been unable to win inside the first three rounds in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons.

79

Jeremiah Simbiken has made a fast start to time at The Jungle. The back rower has the most tackles by a Tigers player this year with 79.

3rd

Former Hull FC full back Tex Hoy has been a key creator for Castleford so far this year. Since his move to the club midway through the 2024 campaign, he has assisted three tries this year (third most in Super League)

19

19-year old Fletcher Rooney is one to watch for the future. The full back has already accumulated a try, 32 carries and 225 metres in 2025, as well as 11 tackle breaks.

Record vs Leeds

Total League wins (All time) - 79 wins

Total League wins at AMT Headingley - 22 wins

Total Super League wins - 28 wins

Total Super League wins at AMT Headingley - 22 wins

Castleford's Highest Score vs Leeds - Castleford 66 Leeds 10 (2017)

Top Try Scorer vs Leeds - Greg Eden (14 tries)

Top Points Scorer vs Leeds - Luke Gale (117 points)

Still time to get tickets!

Match tickets start at £25 for adults, £20 for concessions and £13 for juniors and are available online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or call the ticket office on 0371 423 1315. Tickets also available to purchase from Leeds Rhinos Ticket Office at AMT Headingley Stadium but check opening times before travelling.