Tigers v Crusaders: Teams
Gareth Thomas is fit for Crusaders' trip to the Jungle, where new recruit Chris Tuson could make his Castleford debut.
Last Updated: 25/03/10 4:56pm
Castleford will be looking to register their first home win of the season when they welcome Crusaders to the Jungle on Friday night.
Wigan followed in the footsteps of Hull KR and Warrington in toppling the hosts at the Jungle when they triumphed 36-22 last Sunday.
The Tigers, who have managed wins away at Les Catalans and reigning champions Leeds in 2010, have a new face in their squad this week.
Forward Chris Tuson is set to be given a debut by coach Terry Matterson after being signed on loan for a month from Wigan.
Tuson played against Castleford last weekend but now joins fellow Warrior Sean Ainscough, who returns to the squad having been unable to face his permanent employers, at the Yorkshire club.
Mike Cooper, another loanee, is also in line to play, while James Evans and Paul Jackson are both hoping to return to action after missing the last two matches through injury.
Having impressed against the Cherry and Whites in his first game of the campaign, Jordan Thompson remains in the 19-man party.
Thomas fit
Gareth Thomas retains his place in Crusaders' squad despite a tough baptism in rugby league last week against Catalans Dragons.
The rugby union convert played just 30 minutes of his home debut before succumbing to a head injury suffered in the opening seconds.
However the former British and Irish Lions captain has been passed fit and looks set to remain on the wing, with Gareth Raynor doubtful due to a whiplash injury that ruled him out of the 14-6 win over the French side last Friday.
Tommy Lee is sidelined but coach Brian Noble is able to welcome back Adam Peek, the Australian's return meaning Ben Flower makes way.
Crusaders have already recorded the same number of wins that they managed all of last season (three) and Matterson is expecting a tough test.
"They look a well-drilled team with a very good kicking game and we are expecting a tough encounter," the Castleford boss said.
"They have recruited well. Their squad has a good deal of NRL experience in their ranks and they also have quite a few former Tigers on board who no doubt be looking to show what they can do back at the Jungle."
Castleford squad: Dixon, Shenton, Evans, Chase, Sherwin, Sargent, Hudson, Huby, Snitch, Westerman, Jones, Higgins, Jackson, Clayton, Thompson, McGoldrick, Ainscough, Cooper, Tuson.
Crusaders squad: Thomas, Youngquest, Martin, Mellars, Raynor, Witt, O'Hara, Withers, Bryant, Hauraki, Chan, Trimarchi, Dyer, Winternstein, Peek, Thackray, James, Kear, Lupton.