Castleford Tigers axe Rangi Chase, Hull FC's Liam Watts gets four-match suspension

Tigers have confirmed Chase, who has played in both their Super League games this year, is “not available” for the eagerly-anticipated derby.

In a statement, Tigers chief executive Steve Gill said the stand-off has been part of an “investigation that has been dealt with internally by the club”.

Gill added: “Neither Rangi Chase or the Castleford Tigers will make any further comment on this issue.”

Leeds will also be without a key player after forward Carl Ablett was banned for one game for making contact with referee Chris Campbell during last week’s win over Salford. He denied the charge.

Hull’s Liam Watts was suspended for four matches after admitting a dangerous throw against Catalans Dragons, but team-mate Scott Taylor was cleared of an “other contrary behaviour” charge.

Huddersfield’s Ukuma Ta’ai pleaded guilty to a high tackle in last Friday’s win over Wakefield Trinity and was banned for tomorrow’s home game against Hull.

Meanwhile, Featherstone Rovers will travel to Kingstone Press Championship rivals Bradford Bulls in one of the top ties of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup fourth round. It’s a repeat of the 1973 final at Wembley.

There are other all-Championship ties at Hull KR, who host Sheffield Eagles, and Toulouse, who meet Batley, while Halifax host Hunslet.

Cup draw: Hull KR v Sheffield Eagles, Swinton Lions v London Skolars, Bradford Bulls v Featherstone Rovers, Toulouse Olympique XIII v Batley Bulldogs, Oldham v Haydock, University of Gloucestershire All Golds v Doncaster, Whitehaven v Oxford, York City Knights v Rochdale Hornets, London Broncos v Toronto Wolfpack, Dewsbury Rams v Newcastle Thunder, Halifax v Hunslet, Barrow Raiders v Keighley Cougars. Ties to be played over the weekend of March 18/19.