Council's cash cuts push Tigers and Wildcats together

Which stadium remains to be seen. The West Yorkshire clubs are involved in separate building projects just two junctions apart on the M62 motorway but Wakefield Council yesterday admitted, due to budget cuts, it could no longer give its financial backing to both.

Castleford and Wakefield are each under pressure to move to new grounds in order to meet the requirements for a new Super League licence for 2012 and neither has yet started any building work leaving their top-flight status severely under threat.

Castleford, who will replace their old foes in the top eight if they secure victory tomorrow, have readily agreed to the council's suggestion for an independent feasibility study to see which is the best scheme and agree in principle that a shared stadium is the correct option.

However, Trinity, who intend to be primary tenants of a new stadium proposed by the Wakefield and District Community Trust just off junction 30 at Newmarket, are less keen and remain positive their site is superior.

Wildcats chief executive James Elston said: "We are confident that Newmarket is the only viable option for delivering community sport and leisure facilities in the district and to retain Super League rugby in Wakefield.

"We wish to confirm that our commitment to the Newmarket stadium plans remain steadfast," he added.

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright insisted his club would also continue pursuing their own plans – at a site in Glasshoughton – while the study took place.

"We are at an advanced stage in the delivery of our own project and at this stage, with the shared stadium still at concept stage, it is very important whilst supporting the Council in exploring the possibility of a shared stadium, we do not let our own project slip," he said, adding that detailed designs should be available for public viewing within a month.

Wakefield Council leader Peter Box said: "In the circumstances in which we now find ourselves – losing 70m from our schools building programme, losing more millions from highways – the business case for one single stadium is overwhelming."

It is understood Trinity could press on with their development without the council's financial aid and, if any delays occur, could even move in with Barnsley FC as a temporary measure to satisfy Super League criteria.

Meanwhile, Tigers coach Terry Matterson hopes to have England centre Michael Shenton back from injury for the visit of the Wildcats.

Their four-match winning run was brought to an end by Warrington last week but, with Liam Higgins and Joe Arundel also planning to return, the hosts are bolstered for the crucial derby.

"Defeat at Warrington cost us our place in the top eight and we want to regain that as matches start to run out," said Matterson, with just five fixtures remaining after tomorrow.

Kieran Hyde could make his Super League debut for Wakefield – who are hoping to sign New Zealand Warriors goal-kicking stand-off James Maloney for 2011 – while hooker James Davey has also been included as John Kear deals with injuries to Sam Obst and Dale Morton.