Castleford Tigers to host local rivals Featherstone Rovers on Boxing Day

Featherstone's Michael Channing and Jamie Thackray double up on Castleford's Jy Hitchcox during the Boxing Day game between the sides in 2015.

Both sides will be looking to start their 2018 seasons with a solid performance. Tigers fans could get their first chance to see new signings Joe Wardle, Jamie Ellis, Mitch Clark and Garry Lo in Castleford shirts just like the corresponding 2015 fixture welcomed fans to the likes of Jy Hitchcox and Greg Minikin.

Boxing Day 2015 was the last time both sides met with Castleford running out 42-28 winners over their local rivals with Mike McMeeken grabbing two of the Tigers seven tries that day. The last time Rovers played Castleford in a competitive fixture it resulted in a memorable Challenge Cup triumph for the LD Nutrition Stadium side.

Featherstone will also be looking to parade their new signings for the first time in the game, including half-back Tom Holmes, who has recently moved from Castleford.

Tigers chief executive Steve Gill said: “I’d like to thank Davide Longo (Rovers general manager) and Featherstone Rovers for agreeing to the friendly.

“It will be nice to welcome the club and their players to the Jungle on Boxing Day for a what should be a great game.”

Longo said: “We are delighted to be taking on Castleford Tigers on Boxing Day.

“It promises to be a great occasion for both sets of supporters as we reignite the Featherstone-Castleford derby.

“Both sides have enjoyed on-field success this year and will be kicking off on-field pre-season preparations on the same day!

“It will be great to see some of our new faces take to the field for the first time.

“For the likes of Tom Holmes, the fixture offers an opportunity for him to take on his former club just weeks after joining us.”