Super League Previews - Week Seven

Castleford Tigers vs Catalans Dragons

The Lowdown

CASTLEFORD TIGERS

• Castleford suffered their first defeat to Salford last week as they lost their 100% record but all the talk this week from within the squad has been about bouncing back straight away.
• Top try scorer Greg Minikin suffered a shoulder injury last week but it is better than first feared and he is only likely to miss this game, as veteran Joel Monaghan comes in for him.
• Rangi Chase is back in the squad after being left out for the last few weeks due to disciplinary issues so he will have a point to prove and good motivation.

Head Coach: Daryl Powell

Squad: Rangi Chase, Matt Cook, Greg Eden, Luke Gale, Zak Hardaker, Oliver Holmes, Andy Lynch, Nathan Massey, Mike McMeeken, Paul McShane, Grant Millington, Adam Milner, Joel Monaghan, Junior Moors, Ben Roberts, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Michael Shenton, Gadwin Springer, Jake Webster

Unavailable: Greg Minikin (Shoulder), Larne Patrick (Wrist), Alex Foster, Luke Million, Will Maher

CATALANS DRAGONS

• Catalans have been stuttering in the last few weeks and have not won for almost a month now so there is pressure on them and coach Frayssinous to turn things around.
• They remain without star man Greg Bird as he nurses a broken thumb and there are major concerns that they are unable to play near anywhere their best when he is not in the side.
• Veteran forward Louis Anderson is back after injury and comes into the squad at the expense of Mickael Simon in what is their only change from the set of players which narrowly lost to St Helens last week.

Head Coach: Laurent Frayssinous

Squad: Paul Aiton, Louis Anderson, Jason Baitieri, Thomas Bosc, Julian Bousquet, Luke Burgess, Remi Casty, Alrix Da Costa, Vincent Duport, Ben Garcia, Justin Horo, Krisnan Inu, Thibaut Margalet, Sam Moa, Richie Myler, Iain Thornley, Luke Walsh, Brayden Wiliame, Fouad Yaha

Unavailable: Tony Gigot (Suspended), Greg Bird (Thumb), Lucas Albert, Jodie Broughton, Mickael Simon

Analysis - what to expect
Games between these two sides have historically been extremely high scoring - averaging almost 58 points in the last six matches - and this one promises to be no different. Castleford were thwarted last week by Salford in terrible weather conditions but they will be highly motivated to bounce back here. Catalans know they need to raise their game, but they will struggle to stop the vast array of attacking options that Cas possess.

Wigan Warriors vs Hull FC

The Lowdown

WIGAN WARRIORS

• Wigan's strong start to the season took a minor blow last week as Huddersfield held them to a draw, although that was not a bad result after their play was disrupted by injuries during the game.
• The injuries continue to mount for Wigan as Sean O'Laughlin, Liam Farrell and Jack Wells are the latest to pick up knocks as all three miss out, taking their list of absentees to 12.
• Academy graduates Nick Gregson, Josh Ganson and Callum Field are brought into the threadbare squad as Shaun Ware will have to rely on the club's young talent to get them through this injury crisis.

Head Coach: Shaun Wane

Squad: Joe Bretherton, Tony Clubb, Tom Davies, Morgan Escaré, Callum Field, Ben Flower, Liam Forsyth, Josh Ganson, Anthony Gelling, Nick Gregson, Willie Isa, Thomas Leuluai, Liam Marshall, Romain Navarrete, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sam Powell, Taulima Tautai, Joel Tomkins, George Williams

Unavailable: Sean O'Loughlin (Calf), Liam Farrell (Calf), Jack Wells (Ankle), Sam Tomkins (Ankle), Dom Manfredi (Knee), Michael McIlorum (Ankle), Oliver Gildart (Shoulder), John Bateman (Shoulder), Jake Shorrocks (Knee), Joe Burgess (Knee), Ryan Sutton (Eye), Lewis Tierney (Knee)

HULL FC

• Hull are playing some of their best rugby of the season right now having won their last three matches, with Albert Kelly being one of the top performers in the league at the moment.
• Carlos Tuimavave has picked up an ankle injury so he drops out of the 19-man squad, enabling Brad Fash to come in for him in what is the only change from last week.
• Watts and Turgut remain suspended and Talanoa has concussion, but Hull still have plenty of quality and their team news is nowhere near as desperate as their opponents.

Head Coach: Lee Radford

Squad: Josh Bowden, Jake Connor, Jack Downs, Gareth Ellis, Brad Fash, Mahe Fonua, Chris Green, Josh Griffin, Danny Houghton, Albert Kelly, Masi Matongo, Sika Manu, Steve Michaels, Mark Minichiello, Jamie Shaul, Marc Sneyd, Scott Taylor, Jordan Thompson, Danny Washbrook

Unavailable: Carlos Tuimavave (Ankle), Dean Hadley (Hip), Liam Watts (Suspended), Jansin Turgut (Suspended), Fetuli Talanoa (Concussion)

Analysis - what to expect
Despite missing so many players, Wigan are still rated highly and Hull are only slight favourites despite all the absentees. There were signs last week that the injuries were beginning to hit Wigan and those issues have been compounded with yet more negative team news, so everything points towards the in-form Hull taking the points on their travels here.

Widnes Vikings vs Salford Red Devils

The Lowdown

WIDNES VIKINGS

• The Widnes Vikings sit in 11th with only Warrington below them as they are one of just two teams yet to win a game in what has been a disappointing start to the campaign.
• Sam Brooks comes into the squad for Hep Cahill who has been ruled out with a knee ligament injury, and could now miss up to six week with the problem.
• Denis Betts' selection issues continue as the injury list grows; they are hoping they can recoup one or two for next week's match but this week comes too soon.

Head Coach: Denis Betts

Squad: Tom Armstrong, Chris Bridge, Sam Brooks, Jack Buchanan, Jay Chapelhow, Ted Chapelhow, Danny Craven, Gil Dudson, Rhys Hanbury, Aaron Heremaia, Chris Houston, Jordan Johnstone, MacGraff Leuluai, Stefan Marsh, Tom Olbison, Charly Runciman, Corey Thompson, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley

Unavailable: Hep Cahill (Knee), Joe Mellor (Knee), Manase Manuokafoa (Knee), Eamon O'Carroll (Shoulder), Chris Dean (Torn biceps), Tom Gilmore (Ankle), Patrick Ah Van, Greg Burke, Alex Gerrard

SALFORD RED DEVILS

• Salford continue to be maddeningly inconsistent as they are losing games they should win and then they go and become the first team to beat Castleford this season last week.
• Salford have been boosted by the news that coach Ian Watson has signed a new three year contract while forwards Ben Murdoch-Masila and Weller Hauraki, prop Lama Tasi and centre Junior Sa'u have also extended their deals.
• Watson has Lama Tasi available after suspension while Josh Jones also comes in to the squad as Ryan Lannon and Jake Bibby both drop out of the 19.

Head Coach: Ian Watson

Squad: Kriss Brining, Justin Carney, Todd Carney, Michael Dobson, Mark Flanagan, Greg Johnson, Josh Jones, Craig Kopczak, George Griffin, Rob Lui, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Lee Mossop, Gareth O'Brien, Olsi Krasniqi, Junior Sa'u, Lama Tasi, Logan Tomkins, Adam Walne, Kris Welham

Unavailable: Weller Huaraki (Foot), Jordan Walne, Josh Wood, Niall Evalds, Ryan Lannon, Jake Bibby

Analysis - what to expect
Widnes' tough start to the season continues as they remain winless and the mounting injuries are not helping their cause. Salford come to town full of confidence after becoming the first side to halt the Castleford juggernaut last week. They have struggled against some of the less fancied teams and consistency has been lacking but they should have enough to compound this poor start to the season for Widnes.

Huddersfield Giants vs Leeds Rhinos

The Lowdown

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS

• Huddersfield managed to halt their alarming slump last week with a valiant draw against league leaders Wigan so that should give them a confidence boost heading into this Yorkshire derby.
• Dale Ferguson finally returns after a nagging groin problem and he comes into the squad for Mikey Wood in what is the only change to the squad named by Rick Stone.
• Danny Brough was reportedly in a bust-up with coach Rick Stone last week amid speculation he would leave the club, but Stone has played the rumours down and named Brough in the 19-man squad.

Head Coach: Rick Stone

Squad: Ryan Brierley, Danny Brough, Paul Clough, Leroy Cudjoe, Tyler Dickinson, Dale Ferguson, Lee Gaskell, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Kruise Leeming, Jermaine McGillvary, Darnell McIntosh, Alex Mellor, Aaron Murphy, Sam Rapira, Oliver Roberts, Daniel Smith, Ukuma Ta’ai, Shannon Wakeman

Unavailable: Jake Mamo (Ankle), Tom Symonds (Knee), Mikey Wood, Michael Lawrence, Gene Ormsby

LEEDS RHINOS

• Leeds have bounced back in style after their mauling against Castleford three weeks ago and confidence is as good among the players as it has been for some time, with Matt Parcell in impressive form in particular.
• Leeds welcome back veteran Jamie Jones-Buchanan who has missed the last three matches with a foot problem while Ash Handley also comes back into the squad for this game.
• Liam Sutcliffe is struggling with a quadricep injury which forced him out of the win over Wakefield and he will not be risked here, while youngster Mikolaj Oledzki also drops out.

Head Coach: Brian McDermott

Squad: Carl Ablett, Jordan Baldwinson, Tom Briscoe, Rob Burrow, Adam Cuthbertson, Brett Delaney, Brett Ferres, Mitch Garbutt, Ashton Golding, Ryan Hall, Ash Handley, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jimmy Keinhorst, Danny McGuire, Joel Moon, Anthony Mullally, Matt Parcell, Josh Walters, Kallum Watkins

Unavailable: Liam Sutcliffe (Quadriceps), Keith Galloway (Achilles), Stevie Ward (Hamstring), Brad Singleton (Suspended), Jack Ormondroyd (Knee), Mikolaj Oledzki

Analysis - what to expect
The Giants claimed a point against Wigan last week and were much improved but they face another tough test against an improving Leeds side. With Matt Parcell flourishing, the Rhinos are looking much more dangerous offensively and his partnership with Adam Cuthbertson is vital. The Giants will be motivated to impress at home and that could lead to an entertaining shootout here with little to pick between them. The Giants have won the last three against Leeds and could well just edge this one too.

St Helens vs Warrington Wolves

The Lowdown

ST HELENS

• Saints picked up a much-needed win last week against the Catalans following a dismal three-match losing streak so their confidence should be improved coming into this crunch game.
• After breaking his leg in pre-season, Matty Smith is named in the squad for the first time this season after returning to the club and he could feature in what will be a big psychological boost for the team.
• Morgan Knowles misses out this week due to a knock but apart from that one change, the squad is the same one that travelled to France last week in the win over Catalans.

Head Coach: Keiron Cunningham

Squad: Kyle Amor, Jack Ashworth, Luke Douglas, Theo Fages, Tommy Lee, Tommy Makinson, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Ryan Morgan, Jack Owens, Mark Percival, Dominique Peyroux, Greg Richards, James Roby, Matty Smith, Adam Swift, Zeb Taia, Adam Walker, Alex Walmsley, Jon Wilkin

Unavailable: Jonny Lomax (Leg), Morgan Knowles (Injured), Danny Richardson, Calvin Wellington, Luke Thompson

WARRINGTON WOLVES

• Many are writing Warrington's season off if they lose this game which would be their sixth consecutive loss so the pressure continues to mount with every game they are playing right now.
• They come into this game without Tom Lineham who has received a suspension following his dangerous play last week, while centre Ryan Atkins is out after picking up a hamstring injury in training.
• Stefan Ratchford comes into the squad for the first time this season after his knee injury while Dom Crosby is also back so they are gradually recouping some of their key men after Chris Hill also returned last weekend.

Head Coach: Tony Smith

Squad: Matty Blythe, Kevin Brown, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Dom Crosby, Brad Dwyer, Rhys Evans, Kurt Gidley, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Jack Johnson, Harvey Livett, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Andre Savelio, Ashton Sims, Joe Westerman, Ben Westwood

Unavailable: Tom Lineham (Suspended), Ryan Atkins (Hamstring), Ben Currie (Knee), George King (Mumps), Declan Patton

Analysis - what to expect
This game is simply a must-win match already for Warrington which is amazing given this is only their sixth game of the season. They are starting to recoup some of their key players who have been absent this season like Ratchford and Hill, but their confidence is completely sapped right now compared to the side that beat Brisbane just over a month ago. Saints bounced back last week and will be motivated at home, but both of these teams are somewhat unpredictable making it a fun game to watch, but not to bet on.

Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Centurions

The Lowdown

WAKEFIELD TRINITY

• Wakefield were brought back down to earth last week after two wins as they were hammered by West Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos in a game they struggled to get into right from the start.
• Keegan Hirst is back from an ankle injury while James Batchelor also comes back into the 19-man squad as Mason Caton-Brown and Mikey Sio drop out in what are the only two changes from last week as forward Danny Kirmond avoided a ban for his high tackle.
• Wakefield struggled to match Leeds' intensity and physicality last week according to coach Chris Chester and that is something they will have to improve on as those are two qualities this Leigh side have demonstrated in abundance so far this season.

Head Coach: Chris Chester

Squad: Mitch Allgood, Tinirau Arona, Joe Arundel, Matty Ashurst, James Batchelor, David Fifita, Liam Finn, Scott Grix, Dean Hadley, Craig Huby, Tom Johnstone, Ben Jones-Bishop, Danny Kirmond, Jacob Miller, Bill Tupou, Anthony Walker, Sam Williams, Kyle Wood

Unavailable: Reece Lyne (Knee), Anthony England (Foot), Mason Caton-Brown, Jordan Crowther, Chris Annakin, Mikey Sio

LEIGH CENTURIONS

• Three wins and three defeats marks an excellent start to the season for Leigh and having won three of their last four games, they can move within a point of leaders Wigan with a victory here.
• Neil Jukes cannot count on Glenn Stewart for this game as he serves a two-match ban so Dayne Weston and Curtis Naughton come in for him and Martin Ridyard who also drops out of the squad.
• Some of Leigh's veteran players have really stepped up in recent weeks with Gareth Hock the latest to receive big praise around the league, with a call-up to the England squad even mooted.

Head Coach: Neil Jukes

Squad: Jamie Acton, Mitch Brown, Lachlan Burr, Ben Crooks, Matty Dawson, Josh Drinkwater, James Green, Ryan Hampshire, Harrison Hansen, Micky Higham, Adam Higson, Gareth Hock, Sam Hopkins, Curtis Naughton, Eloi Pelissier, Ben Reynolds, Danny Tickle, Atelea Vea, Dayne Weston

Unavailable: Glenn Stewart (Suspended), James Clare (Knee), Gregg McNally (Knee), Liam Hood (Calf), Willie Tonga (Injured), Tom Armstrong, Cory Paterson, Martyn Ridyard

Analysis - what to expect
Much depends on which version of Wakefield turns up because if they come in with the same lethargy that they showed against Leeds last week, this Leigh side will outfight them. That said, there has been a clear difference in energy between Leigh's performances at home in front of their fans compared to on their travels where they have lost their last three, and a motivated Wakefield could bounce back here in a tight game.