Castleford Tigers v Hull FC: Super 8s preview
Friday 7 August 2015 19:43, UK
Castleford and Hull FC are already in must-win territory ahead of their meeting at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle in Friday’s Super 8s opener.
Hull are six points behind fourth-placed Huddersfield and, along with Catalans Dragons, have been written off by many as makeweights.
Castleford head coach Daryl Powell believes those sides will realistically have to win all seven games to stand a chance of making the play-offs, while he has set his team, four points better off than Hull, their own target.
"I think we need to win five out of seven from the position we're in," he said. "It's going to be really competitive and tough.
"I think it's a good system and I'm really excited about what we've got in front of us.
"With having two home games at the start, if we can do ourselves justice then it gives us a chance to start the Super 8s well."
Powell welcomes prop Nathan Massey back from injury and is expected to hand a debut to hooker Paul McShane.
Hull continue to be without former Great Britain internationals Gareth Ellis and Leon Pryce, who were injured in the derby win at Hull KR.
Prop Liam Watts is available after avoiding suspension while centre Kirk Yeaman returns.
Castleford Tigers: Ryan Boyle, Justin Carney, Matt Cook, Luke Dorn, Liam Finn, Luke Gale, Ashley Gibson, Oliver Holmes, Andy Lynch, Nathan Massey, Mike McMeeken, Paul McShane, Grant Millington, Adam Milner, Junior Moors, Ben Roberts, Michael Shenton, Gadwin Springer, Jake Webster.
Hull FC: Jordan Abdull, Chris Green, Dean Hadley, Danny Houghton, Tom Lineham, Jack Logan, Steve Michaels, Mark Minichiello, Mickey Paea, Jordan Rankin, Setaimata Sa, Jamie Shaul, Marc Sneyd, Fetuli Talanoa, Jordan Thompson, Liam Watts, Joe Westerman, Richard Whiting, Kirk Yeaman.
Watch Castleford Tigers v Hull FC live on Sky Sports Xtra and the Sky Sports for iPad app. Click here to find out how to watch.
