This week’s squad news is dominated by the unfortunate development that Matty Ashton is likely to be a long-term absentee with injury. Steve Price estimated that he will be unavailable for between four and five months, while co-captain Jack Hughes is still not fully recovered from a hernia operation and will not play on Friday. The only other absentees are Leilani Latu and Samy Kibula, both of whom are still waiting for their first Wire appearances. Daryl Clark is in the squad but is doubtful due to an injury picked up last week. Anthony Gelling is still not in the picture due to his ongoing situation.
Full Back - 1 Stefan Ratchford
One of few players enjoying a good season so far, Ratchford’s place at full-back is even more certain now with Ashton being out for the foreseeable.
Winger - 2 Tom Lineham
Most of the Wire backs are being picked on reputation rather than form, but also because there is a dearth of genuine options. Lineham will keep his place.
Centre - 4 Toby King
Another. King has had a really tough start to the year but Wire can barely cobble together a centre to play alongside him, yet alone one to replace him.
Centre - 17 Jake Mamo
The Australian had a tough day in his only appearance so far, at Wakefield, but scored four times against Castleford in 2019, and for me should replace Keanan Brand, who had a nightmare debut last week. Mamo also had a decent game for Widnes at Dewsbury in the Championship last week on dual-registration.
Winger - 5 Josh Charnley
Charnley is a player who perhaps isn’t at the top of his game, but is still performing reasonably well. There’s absolutely no competition for his place.
Stand-Off - 6 Blake Austin
I’ve been pretty vocal about my dissatisfaction with Austin’s performances so far this season, but a lack of options due to Ashton’s injury pretty much nail him down.
Scrum-Half - 7 Gareth Widdop
Widdop has shown one or two bright sparks but we’re yet to see the best of the new signing. Will Friday be the night?
Prop - 15 Joe Philbin
Last week, I wanted Philbin to start. Chris Hill wasn’t anything special on his return, and so I’d like to see Philbin given the shot this time, with Hill on the bench.
Hooker - 9 Daryl Clark
Only Clark himself will know how much chance he has of making Friday, and if there is a high risk of further injury, I wouldn’t take the risk and would use Danny Walker instead. As always, Clark will be imperative to any chance of a win.
Prop - 10 Mike Cooper
I was pleased to see Cooper finally given an England call-up this week. One of the most consistent props in the league.
Second Row - 11 Ben Currie
Currie and Ratchford have probably been our best two players so far this season. It was this fixture that Currie made his return last season and he will hope to make an impact against a classy outfit.
Second Row - 13 Ben Murdoch-Masila
After a superb first four games, Murdoch-Masila let himself down at Headingley last week with a shocking performance and a sin-binning. I’d keep him in for this week, particularly with no Jack Hughes, but he’ll need to do better.
Loose Forward - 14 Jason Clark
Castleford are one of the most fluid attacking units in the league and Jason Clark’s defensive work will be crucial to preventing them being too much of a threat to the Wire tryline.
Interchange - 8 Chris Hill
As already mentioned, I’d have Hill from the bench. His hard running could work well in the second part of the game.
Interchange - 19 Matt Davis
Last week was one of Davis’ worst games for Wire, but I’d still have him in team on Friday night, particularly if Clark is 50/50 on fitness - Davis can deputise as a hooker from the bench.
Interchange - 22 Luis Johnson
I think Wire need to get as many forwards as possible on the bench this week, so I’d include Johnson again.
Interchange - 18 Sitaleki Akauola
It’s been a few games since we saw Akauola and I’m not his biggest fan, but Wire need as much go-forward as they can possibly get.
Castleford have been the best side in the league in the early stages of the season and lie top of the table with four wins in five games. Daryl Powell has once again constructed a team that is willing to play attractive and free-flowing rugby league, inspired by their new half-back partnership of Jake Trueman and Danny Richardson. Paul McShane is currently top of the Man of Steel leaderboard and his runs from dummy-half ripped Hull KR apart last weekend. The last time these two sides met was Wire's embarrassing final game of 2019 - the infamous playoff first round exit. Given the contrasting styles and form of the two sides, it's hard to see a home win this time either...
Super League Round Six Predictions
Leeds to beat Toronto by 18-23 points
Hull FC to beat Wakefield by 6-11 points
Castleford to beat Warrington by 1-5 points
St Helens to beat Huddersfield by 18-23 points
Catalans to beat Salford by 6-11 points
Wigan to beat Hull KR by 18-23 points
Daniel (@aloosewire)
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