Super League fever is already building! Even though the official 2026 season is still weeks away, the Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos are already battling it out in a pre-season clash, giving fans a taste of the action to come. This match isn't just about getting ready for the new season; it's also a special occasion, serving as Brad Singleton's testimonial.
This afternoon's game sees youthful squads take the field, with Scott Murrell leading the Castleford Tigers and Chev Walker in charge of Leeds. The anticipation is high as both teams look to fine-tune their strategies before the main event.
With the 2026 Super League campaign kicking off in less than a month, and the Challenge Cup entering its third round the week before, the pressure is on. The teams are at the OneBore Stadium, and the live updates are coming in fast.
Here's how the action unfolded:
- Full-time: The final whistle blows, with Castleford Tigers emerging victorious with a 26-10 win. It was a match filled with exciting moments and tries at the OneBore Stadium, all in support of Brad Singleton's testimonial.
- Player of the Match: Brad Singleton himself was awarded the Player of the Match!
- Castleford Extends Lead: With minutes left, Castleford increased their lead to 26-10.
- Another Try for Cas: Mitch Beedle added another try for the hosts.
- And Another! Castleford scored again in quick succession, extending their lead to 20-10.
- Slick Assist: Fletcher Rooney delivered a beautiful cut-out pass for his winger.
- Singleton Returns: Brad Singleton returned for the final five minutes of his testimonial match.
- Score Remains: Rooney couldn't convert, keeping the score at 16-10.
- Castleford Try! Tylor Sharpe scored in the corner, with a great cut-out pass. Cas led 16-10.
- Big Names: Dacx Jones-Buchanan and Joe Diskin played for Leeds.
- Great Defence: Tylor Sharpe from Castleford tackled his opposite winger into touch.
- Flowing Rugby League: Leeds had a penalty. The game needed a spark after Oscar Brown's try.
- Quick Stoppage: Leeds' Oliver Smart needed treatment but continued.
- Missed Chance: Leeds had the ball back.
- Chance for Cas: Leeds made an unforced error, giving Castleford a chance to score.
- Castleford 12-10 Leeds: The conversion was successful, making it a two-point game.
- Leeds' Brilliant Solo Effort: Oscar Brown scored a brilliant solo try, racing 70 meters to score. The score was now 12-8.
- Back Underway: The second half began.
- Half-time: Castleford Tigers led 12-4 at the break. Louis Senior showed his Super League quality.
- Leeds Come Close: Harley Thomas looked dangerous but was held up.
- Close for New Recruit: Jimmy Beckett was inches away from scoring.
- Great Try! Louis Senior fed Jenson Windley to score. Rooney converted for a 12-4 lead.
- Castleford lead 6-4: Cas conversion.
- Tigers try! Sam Grice scored for the hosts.
- Leeds Rhinos injury: Jacob Stead received treatment.
- Singleton's stint: Brad Singleton left the field after 20 minutes.
What's Next? Post-match comments from Chev Walker and Scott Murrell are expected later.
A Look Ahead: With the 2026 Super League season just around the corner, this pre-season match provides a glimpse into the potential of both teams. But here's where it gets controversial...Do you think these pre-season games truly reflect the teams' capabilities, or are they just a warm-up? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And this is the part most people miss...How will the youthful squads fare against the seasoned veterans when the real season begins? Let's discuss!
