The second match of Saturday’s half of the Magic Weekend in the Super League could quite easily steal the show on the opening day as the pace setting Warrington Wolves take on the Castleford Tigers in what looks like an exciting match on paper.
Warrington Wolves
The Wolves head to Magic on top of the table but only by points difference and they will need a win in Newcastle if they are to keep their lead you would think. Warrington go into the match off the back of a defeat to Wakefield last week which ended a run of three successive wins.
They do have the confidence of knowing they have already thrashed Castleford earlier in the season when they put up over 50pts on their Yorkshire opposition but this is a different thing entirely. Wire were beaten by St Helens here last year.
Castleford Tigers
Injuries have been a huge part in an inconsistent season for the Tigers thus far but as players begin to come back slowly their form is really beginning to improve and it would be foolish to write out a run for the playoffs from them over the remainder of the season.
Cas go into the match with their confidence well and truly boosted after annihilating Leeds at Headingley last week with one of the best performances they have ever put in and a repeat of that performance here makes them a very dangerous proposition as they look for a fourth straight Magic Weekend win.
Team news
Warrington have been decimated in the three-quarters and out wide for this match with Kevin Penny, Ryan Atkins and Rhys Evans all joining Chris Sandow on the sidelines with injury. They are big losses and could leave them exposed defensively let alone in attacking areas.
Castleford might be the strongest they have been all season with Ben Roberts returning from injury for the match and Ryan Hampshire also returning. Luke Dorn came back in emphatic style last week and is expected to continue here. Joel Monaghan will be up for this against his former club.
Betting
I’ve a sneaky feeling that Castleford are good things in this match despite being available at 2/1 to win it but Warrington are top for a reason and that does need to be respected even if they are missing half of their backline. At least in Kurt Gidley and Stefan Ratchford they have a capable half back pairing.
I look at this Castleford side though and they look very solid down the spine and if Ben Roberts and Luke Gale click and their athletic forwards can get them on the front foot I expect Cas to challenge Warrington throughout if they don’t actually manage to beat them.
Castleford love this particular weekend. They’ve put up over 50pts in the last two Magic Weekends albeit only against Wakefield but coming off the back of a drubbing of Leeds confidence has to be high in their ranks. I’m confident in them too but I’ll side with the handicap which looks too big at eight points.
Tips
WON – Castleford (+8) to beat Warrington for a 6/10 stake at 1.91 with Bwin
Back them here:
