Thursday 26 May 2016 21:08, UK
There's a big game in Super League live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Thursday night as Wigan face a tricky trip to Castleford with Shaun Wane's side looking to keep touch with the top teams.
But it won't be easy. Daryl Powell's Tigers have been in sparkling form in their last two games and hope to make it three league wins in a row.
Here's three head-to-heads to look out for…
Luke Dorn v Sam Tomkins
There's an intriguing match-up at full-back with both players capable of wreaking havoc in attack.
Luke Dorn is on fire for Cas. The Australian, who this month announced he will retire at the end of the season, is reminding everyone just why he has starred in Super League for so long.
Dorn has scored five tries in his last two games, having previously missed the last two months of the season with a hamstring injury. That made it six for the season and expect him to add plenty more given the way he was finishing in Newcastle.
The 33-year-old polished off a great team move for the first before producing some classic full-back play to follow Junior Moors' break for his second to seal a great win. His partnership with Luke Gale is worth watching alone as the pair link up in the backline, so expect to see Dorn finishing his career with a flourish this season.
As for Wigan, Sam Tomkins is stepping up his return having now completed two games back in the Cherry and White. He scored in the defeat against Hull FC, his first game since moving back from the NRL, before helping the Warriors to a Magic Weekend rout of Leeds.
With Sean O'Loughlin out again through injury and Liam Farrell and Sam's brother Joel both doubtful, Shaun Wane needs Tomkins' experience and leadership from the back.
Teams will be targeting Wigan's star man though, knowing just how dangerous he can be, but Tomkins is always capable of producing something from nothing. Expect him to start upping the ante against the Tigers.
Denny Solomona v Dom Manfredi
There's plenty of tries on the flanks for both sides this week.
In Denny Solomona, Castleford could have the best finisher in Super League. He is the competition's top scorer with 18, having added two to that tally against Warrington.
Solomona took both tries against the Wolves superbly, firstly outjumping Tom Lineham to touch down brilliantly, before rounding the same player - who's no slouch - and racing in from halfway.
Solomona dotting the ball down is a sight the Tigers fans are becoming well used to and more often than not there is a spectacular finish involved. The winger could cut out some of his errors - indeed 23 is the most made by any Castleford player this season - but Daryl Powell will surely cut him some slack if he keeps up this try scoring record.
If Castleford have one of the league's top finishers, then Wigan could have one of Super League's most complete wingers. Dom Manfredi seems to have it all - pace, power and finishing ability, and he's still only 22.
With Josh Charnley on his way out at the end of the season, Manfredi could soon become Wigan's senior winger, and they certainly missed his presence when he was out injured throughout April.
Manfredi was back on the scoresheet against Leeds, his ninth try of the season making him Wigan's top scorer. He's a strong carrier from the back, making 1047m at an average gain of 8.24m with 59 tackle busts thrown in for good measure.
Expect him to return to top form soon now he is back in the side and fully fit.
Adam Milner v Sam Powell
There are two young English hookers going face-to-face in the middle of the scrum this week.
For Castleford, Adam Milner is a big part of Powell's side. The loss of Daryl Clark to Warrington was softened by the fact Milner was ready to step into his shoes, but with Paul McShane also on the Tigers' books, Milner can't afford to rest on his laurels.
Milner is the joint-top tackler in the squad along with Mike McMeeken, putting in 445 hits. Milner is also a threat from dummy half, running 53 times and making three clean breaks this season. He did start the first four games of the season from the bench, but since round five Milner has been Powell's ever-present presence in the middle of the park. Expect more of the same from him.
As for Wigan, Sam Powell has had to step up and handle more responsibility this season. He is another Super League ever-present, starting 12 games this season from the hooker position after Michael McIlorum's injury.
Powell has put in an impressive shift this season. He is Wigan's top tackler with 633, a number that ranks second in the whole league just behind Hull FC's tackling machine Danny Houghton. That includes 103 marker tackles, a figure that is actually equal with Houghton at the top of the competition rankings.
Powell is just five league appearances away from equalling his record of 20 in a season for Wigan. So is this the year the versatile 23-year-old has finally nailed down his best position?
Watch Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7.30pm on Thursday.
