Orr aims to sign off with derby victory

THERE is no mistaking what Castleford Tigers have in mind tomorrow.

Plastered across the town as well as the sport’s trade papers this week was an advert explaining exactly what they intend on doing against arch-rivals Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

“We beat them in ‘their’ city – WE’LL FINISH IT IN OUR TOWN’ is the declaration ahead of the derby ‘decider.’

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It pays clear reference to Wakefield’s marketing campaign ahead of the Easter meeting between the sides, when Castleford ventured to Belle Vue and came away with a memorable 34-16 victory despite Trinity’s confident predictions.

Wakefield, though, narrowly came out on top of a dramatic game at Magic Weekend in May’s meeting between the traditional foes, edging a 32-26 success, so this final encounter is crucial for bragging rights if not Super League points.

Neither side has a realistic chance of reaching the play-offs but it has stoked up passions ahead of the return at Probiz Coliseum and Tigers captain Danny Orr – who features in the advert along with Craig Huby and Jake Emmitt – is a fan of the concept.

“The players don’t really get involved but it has stirred things up and increased interest,” he told the Yorkshire Post.

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“It’s started a few conversations and we obviously want to get another win against Wakey.

“Personally, for me, it’s my last Wakefield derby as I’ve said I’m retiring at the end of the season.

“Every game now I’m thinking this will be the last time I play this team, or I’ll never play at this stadium again, and it’s the same with it being Wakefield.

“It’d be great to sign off with another derby victory in front of our own fans.”

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Depleted Castleford lost 40-16 at Wigan Warriors last Friday but have a few players back from illness and injury ahead of tomorrow’s contest.

Scrum-half Jamie Ellis, who made such a brilliant debut against Huddersfield after joining from Hull FC, is fit again to line-up alongside Orr, while winger Josh Griffin has overcome a stomach bug to face his former club.

Hull FC captain Andy Lynch and ex-Bradford Bulls hooker Wayne Godwin will join Orr and his Castleford colleagues at a charity barbecue run by his Elite Rugby Academy at King’s School, Pontefract on Saturday, August 18.

Maurice Watkins, acting chairman of the RFL, has been elected chairman of the Rugby League European Federation.

Watkins, a former director of Manchester United and one of three non-executive directors of the RFL, succeeds Richard Lewis, the new chief executive of the All England Club.