Signs point to Castleford Tigers bagging first Grand Final win
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Castleford Tigers face Leeds Rhinos in an all-Yorkshire Super League Grand Final. But despite the Rhinos having lifted the trophy seven times since 2004, it’s Daryl Powell’s first-time finalists who look set to triumph at Old Trafford.
Our traders seem to agree, with Classy Cas 8/13 favourites in the Match Betting. But even at fairly skinny odds, the stats suggest they could be well worth backing. Especially given the pair’s Head-to-Head record…
Cas have absolutely dominated this fixture
Leeds have been mauled by the Tigers time and again in recent years. Castleford have won each of their last eight meetings against the Rhinos, with a number of those victories secured in imperious fashion.
The last meeting ended 38-24 to Powell’s side, but that’s far from their biggest win over their Grand Final opponents in 2017. The Tigers produced a 66-10 demolition job of Leeds at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle in March of this year.
To give some context, that’s the biggest margin of victory in any Super League game in the past 17 months. While another win by 50+ points is unlikely, the pair’s Head-to-Head stats prove Cas know how to well and truly batter the Rhinos.
Tigers travel well, while Rhinos struggle away
The difference between these sides’ away records is also notable. Castleford have no need for home comforts, winning the last six games on their travels.
That’s included eye-catching victories away to the likes of Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Finalists Wigan (38-20) and a 23-4 triumph against a talented Salford Red Devils side.
As for Leeds, the coach trips home have been rather less cheery. Just one victory away from Headingley in their last five trips is real cause for concern, as is the manner of those losses. They were nilled by Shaun Wane’s Warriors, and hammered 38-6 by a workmanlike but largely ordinary Wakefield side.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
