Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Rivals round gets underway on Thursday with a tasty West Yorkshire dust-up between bitter foes Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers at Belle Vue.

The pair last met in 2023 following Wakey's spell in the Championship last season, and a fiercely-fought contest can be expected when they renew hostilities this week.

Trinity have won three matches on their return to the top flight, while Cas have just one win this term, so both will be keen to secure the victory ahead of a busy period. 

Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers betting tips and predictions

Castleford Tigers +12.5 - 11/10

Only Hull FC and relegated London Broncos were worse off than Castleford last term and their struggles have continued into the new campaign with Danny McGuire's men picking up just one win from their opening seven league fixtures.

To make matters worse, the Super League strugglers were dumped out of the Challenge Cup by Championship side Bradford Bulls in February to pile on the gloom for the beleaguered Jungle outfit, whose only win came against bottom side Salford Red Devils who are beset by off-field turmoil.

So you would think that a derby scrap is the last thing the Tigers need right now, but there may be a case for backing Maguire's side as they have a fantastic record in this fixture.

Cas have won nine of their last 10 meetings with Trinity, whose only victory in that sequence came in 2022 when they ran out 32-6 winners.

Otherwise the Tigers have thoroughly dominated their local rivals and they have strengthened their squad this week as they look to improve their fortunes before things become even worse.

Brad Singleton, Hugo Salabio and Jordan Dezaria have been brought in to beef up the pack, while former Leigh forward Tom Amone will also join shortly but not in time to make this fixture.

It's a timely boost for the Tigers but whether the new faces will be enough to help secure a much-needed win remains to be seen. However, the visitors look well-worth backing with a hefty start on the match handicap.

Wakey's solid start has been impressive but their three wins have all come away from home and they have struggled to match their efforts on home soil.

A bruising encounter can be expected and things may be closer than the betting suggests.

Oliver Pratt first tryscorer - 9/1

Wakefield put in a competitive showing in the 26-14 loss to St Helens last week and no one more so than centre Oliver Pratt, who bagged two tries in the defeat at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Both scores came late on in the contest but Pratt looks a decent price to start the scoring with a try at Belle Vue.

Pratt has bagged three tries in seven matches this season for Trinity and his prolific nature has seen him claim 27 four-pointers in 57 outings for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Confidence should be high following his brace against the Saints last week and he can continue his hot streak in this derby clash on Thursday.

Wakefield first scoring play - anything other than a try - 10/1

Castleford first scoring play - anything other than a try - 12/1

As is often the case in tussles such as this, points may be at a premium so backing either side to open the scoring via a penalty goal looks a good secondary option for a bet should a try not be the first score.

Cas in particular will be keen to score whenever possible as they search for a much-needed victory, and the red-hot atmosphere of a derby could see a flurry of early penalties awarded, especially as the officials will look to stamp their authority on the match as quickly as they can.

A shot at goal would be a welcome opportunity to get on the scoreboard and the prices warrant a small wager in a clash which could be tight on scoring.

Read more rugby league betting tips and predictions on site.

Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers odds

Wakefield - 1/5
Tie - 33/1
Castleford - 7/2

View the full market and more odds for Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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