Castleford's eight-game hot streak against the Leeds Rhinos
Wednesday 4 October 2017 20:12, UK
Castleford and Leeds face off in Saturday's Grand Final. But for the Rhinos, there is a daunting record to overcome. They haven't beaten the Tigers in eight meetings and two years!
Will they end the hoodoo on the biggest stage? Here's how the run has played out…
Live Super League Grand Final
Leeds 24-31 Castleford - June 11, 2015
The Rhinos conquered one and all in 2015, their treble-winning season. And despite beating Castleford earlier in the campaign on their own patch, this was the start of that losing streak - June 11, 2015.
The Tigers were excellent, scoring three tries in the opening 16 minutes before Leeds hit back, cutting the deficit to 18-16 at the break. With 10 minutes to go, the scores were tied at 24-24. But Liam Finn dropped a goal before Denny Solomona swooped on an error from Ash Handley to seal the game.
Leeds 22-29 Castleford - September 17, 2015
After already losing to Castleford at Headingley in 2015, the Rhinos needed a victory in the Super 8s as they aimed for the treble. But instead, they fell to a third successive defeat.
The scores were level at half-time, but two stunning Tigers tries set up a magnificent victory. Luke Gale got the first, scoring after Matt Cook's terrific run. And then Gale turned provider, supporting a Ben Roberts break before turning the ball back inside to his team-mate who dotted down. Roberts added a further drop goal late on as Cas secured a second Headingley win for the season.
Castleford 18-14 Leeds - March 24, 2016
A bad start to the champions' defence in 2016 continued at Castleford as Leeds lost a tight encounter, their fifth defeat in seven games.
The Tigers led 12-0 early on thanks to tries from Andy Lynch and Jake Webster but Leeds led until late on after scores from Joel Moon, Kallum Watkins and Tom Briscoe. But Cas had the final say, Webster smashing through for his second score with a late, late try to condemn the Rhinos to another defeat.
Leeds 12-52 Castleford - May 12, 2016
A catastrophic season for Leeds in 2016 was summed up by their home performance against the Tigers in May. They were crushed 52-12, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table and facing up to the prospect of playing the Qualifiers and possible relegation.
Luke Dorn was Castleford's star man, scoring a hat-trick in the first half, while Denny Solomona got two of his side's nine tries that day. A real low point in a season of shockers for the Rhinos.
Castleford 66-10 Leeds - March 2, 2017
Oh dear. Leeds' lowest point this season came in a horror show at Castleford in March. It was the Tigers' biggest win over Leeds and the first time they had scored 60 points since 2014.
The game was all over by half-time, with Greg Minikin crossing for a hat-trick, while Greg Eden and Mike McMeeken also dotted down. Zak Hardaker got over against his former club after the break, while Eden also completed his treble.
Scores from Paul McShane, Jake Webster, Luke Gale and Michael Shenton completed the rout, leaving Leeds with their tails well and truly between their legs and Castleford still with a 100 per cent record.
Castleford 29-18 Leeds - May 21, 2017
Leeds were looking for redemption at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle for their humiliation back in March. But it wasn't to be.
Greg Eden spoilt the Rhinos' day, crossing for a fantastic hat-trick as Castleford made it look easy. And another hammering looked on the cards, with Leeds 28-6 down after 64 minutes. Brian McDermott's side fought back to make the scoreline respectable, but it was still another chastening day for the Rhinos.
Leeds 12-23 Castleford - June 23, 2017
The Tigers continued their good form at Headingley back in June. A tight first half saw Cas lead only through Luke Gale's boot as they shared one try each.
But Zak Hardaker showed his former club exactly what they were missing, scoring a stunning individual try by beating three players and then sidestepping Liam Sutcliffe to dot down, albeit not before celebrating on his old stomping ground. Grant Millington's score extended the lead and Adam Cuthbertson's late consolation only added a shade of respectability to a 23-12 scoreline.
Castleford 38-24 Leeds - September 8, 2017
The last meeting between the two sides was a match-up between first and second in the Super 8s. But only one side looked capable of reaching a Grand Final back then.
The Tigers rolled over their West Yorkshire rivals despite Leeds taking the lead. They scored 30 unanswered points, before Leeds produced a late fightback. Ben Roberts scored two of Cas' six tries as it finished 38-24 with Daryl Powell's side going 12 points clear at the top of the table.
