Tigers v Crusaders: Teams
Celtic Crusaders could hand debuts to two teenagers when they travel to The Jungle to face play-off bound Castleford.
Last Updated: 13/09/09 10:54am
Castleford will be looking to sign off in front of their own fans with a win on Sunday when they host rock-bottom Celtic Crusaders.
A 48-0 triumph over fading Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop last weekend clinched a play-off berth for the Tigers.
However, as they cannot finish any higher than seventh, the clash with the Crusaders will be their last home fixture of 2009.
Coach Terry Matterson is hoping to reward the club's supporters with a good performance before they begin their bid to reach the Grand Final.
"Our home form has been a bit disappointing at times this year and this being the last game of the campaign at The Jungle we'd like to give our fans a strong finish to the regular season, as well as taking some good form into the play offs," he told the Tigers' website.
"But we would be wrong to think it's just a case of turning up.
"Celtic have tried very hard this season and the recent loss of some of their squad has left them stretched, but they'll want to come here and give a good account of themselves."
The Tigers are without captain Ryan Hudson with a broken arm ruling the hooker out of the rest of the season.
But there is some good news for Matterson with Richard Owen set to return after missing the last three fixtures through injury.
Wooden spoon
Celtic Crusaders end their debut campaign in the top flight at The Jungle already knowing they will finish up with the wooden spoon.
Coach John Dixon looks set to hand a debut to winger Ashley Bateman, 19, while another teenager, 17-year-old Ross Wardle, is also named in the Welsh side's 19-man squad.
Chris Beasley is the latest name to be added to a lengthy injury list, though, which includes former Castleford player Luke Dyer.
But ex-Tigers Mark Lennon and Jordan James are set to feature against their former employers, as the Crusaders bid for just a fourth league win.
Castleford squad: Owen, Dixon, Shenton, Evans, Wainwright, Chase, Sherwin, Sargent, Huby, Ferres, Clayton, Westerman, Jones, Higgins, Feather, Boyle, Netherton, McGoldrick, Widders.
Celtic Crusaders squad: Blackwood, Bateman, Flower, Tangata-Toa, Kear, Davies, Dudson, Chan, J. James, Mills, Withers, White, Bryant, Lennon, Smith, Budworth, Wardle, O'Hara, Tyrer.