Opportunity to face rivals next week on offer for young Tigers

The Australian has made seven chances to the squad that won at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Good Friday, with captain Danny Orr, Man of Steel Rangi Chase, Richard Owen, Nick Youngquest, Daryl Clark, Oliver Holmes and Australian prop Grant Millington all ruled out through injury.

None are deemed serious but it means a largely youthful squad welcomes Saints to Wheldon Road this afternoon.

Academy starlets Ben Johnson and Josh Atkinson could make their Super League bows, John Davies is included for the first time this season while Adam Milner and Jordan Thompson are set to be promoted from the fringes.

Another youngster, James Clare, gets a rare chance while experienced Steve Nash, Ryan Hudson and James Grehan are all recalled as improving Castleford seek a third successive triumph. With the massive fourth-round clash at derby rivals Featherstone on Saturday, a game everyone wants to be involved in, Millward hopes supporters will react well to his selection.

“I think fans can look positively at the changes,” he said. “I said going into this Easter period that unfit players wouldn’t play.

“It’s no good putting injured players out there at all, never mind for the second game of three in eight days.

“I’m really looking forward to Monday’s game. There are a lot of hungry guys coming into the squad who will be out to force their way into the team to face Featherstone.

“I’m excited about the opportunities to give them their chances.”

Millward explained: “Ryan Hudson played exceptionally well for the two games before doing his leg; he’s fully fit and raring to go.

“Adam Milner deserves an opportunity; there’s not much between him and Daryl Clark (at hooker).

“James Grehan played well against Hull a fortnight ago even though we told him of a few areas to tweak and work on with the 20s last week. He comes in better for that hit-out and is hungry to impress.

“James Clare had an unfortunate night on debut at Huddersfield but is very keen to get a run and he’ll be better for that experience.

“Josh Atkinson is an exciting prospect. He’s on standby and has played very well for the 20s. This is an opportunity for us to assess him in a competitive Super League match in terms of a possible contract for 2013.”

Saints’ changes are less prolific; they recall Paul Wellens and Anthony Laffranchi after suspension but Jon Wilkin, Jonny Lomax and Tommy Makinson miss out through injury.