Crusaders v Tigers: Teams
The Crusaders head south to take on Castleford at The Gnoll.
Last Updated: 24/07/10 1:19pm
Crusaders skipper Ryan O'Hara is struggling with a back injury so coach Brian Noble is set to stick with the side that beat Catalans Dragons in Perpignan last weekend.
Adam Peek will retain the captain's regular front-row spot.
Full-back Elliot Kear, who plays for the South Wales Scorpions, is added to the squad for the match at The Gnoll.
Noble knows the importance of this game in keeping his club's play-off hopes alive, telling the Crusaders' official website: "This weekend is a big fixture for both clubs.
"I've alluded to the fact that they could end our top eight aspirations on Sunday down at the Gnoll so we have to make sure we come home with the two points.
Attitude
"I was pleased with the performance against Catalans. Their attitude was first class and they worked very hard to get the two points.
"It was what their efforts deserved but now we focus on Castleford. It is a huge fixture for both teams.
"Castleford are a very good rugby team, they're averaging over 30 points at match at the moment, so that shows you their attacking prowess. But I think our attack is improving now."
Castleford recall teenage centre Joe Arundel following his recovery from a leg injury, although he may struggle to force his way into the starting line-up after the Tigers beat local rivals Wakefield last week to climb back into the top eight.
Coach Terry Matterson is urging his team not to let the opportunity of reaching the play-offs slip from their grasp.
"We have given ourselves a real chance of clinching a play-off place but there is still plenty of work to be done," he said.
"I'm sure that they will see this game as an ideal opportunity to gain some ground.
"We have been playing some good football in recent weeks and, if we can continue in that form, then we feel confident against most opponents."
Crusaders RL squad: Youngquest, Martin, Mellars, Sammut, Withers, Bryant, Hauraki, Chan, Trimarchi, Dyer, Lee, Winternstein, Peek, Thackray, James, Kear, Lupton, Schifcofske, Hanbury.
Castleford Tigers squad: Dixon, Shenton, Wainwright, Chase, Sargent, Hudson, Huby, Ferres, Snitch, Westerman, Jones, Higgins, Jackson, Clayton, Thompson, McGoldrick, Widders, Milner, Arundel.