Pre-Season Round-Up (14 January)

Two Betfred Super League sides were in action this weekend, as Castleford and Hull FC enjoyed their first run outs of 2024 on Sunday.

A full strength Tigers side travelled to Cougar Park for Jake Webster's Farewell Game, where they enjoyed a comfortable 54-0 victory over Keighley in front of a bumper crowd. It was also an opportunity to honour Tigers legend Webster himself - who became an integral part of the Tigers side between the 2013 and 2018 seasons, helping them to reach a Betfred Challenge Cup Final in 2014 and Grand Final in 2017, as well as securing the League Leaders' Shield in that memorable year.

It was a one-sided scoring spree from the off with Castleford producing a ten try spectacle, including a try from Josh Simm and braces from Innes Senior and Josh Hodson - three of six new Castleford signings who made their debuts.

Nixon Putt, Rowan Milnes and Luke Hooley - who took charge of kicking duties on Sunday, also experienced their first taste in Tigers colours, with this pre-season win giving the Tigers team some much needed confidence heading into the 2024 Betfred Super League campaign, and pleasing their Head Coach Craig Lingard in his first game in charge.

Over at Odsal Stadium, it was a tale of two halves when a determined Bradford Bulls side took on a very youthful Hull FC, selected by Tony Smith.

The eldest player to feature in the Black and White's side was 22-year-old Will Gardiner, who was proud captain on this afternoon.

? 20 Centre of Excellence products.
? Entire squad aged 22 and under.

An exciting day for the Black & Whites' youth pathway ??

???? #COYH pic.twitter.com/JpQKjpSHtp
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) January 14, 2024

Bradford would lead 28-6 at the break following a burst of five tries across the first half, but a spirited set of Hull youngsters would go on to make an impressive comeback equalling as many tries as their opposition.

The final result would come down to conversions however - with both teams scoring six tries a piece on the day and Hull's rising talents producing an impressive performance against a strong Championship outfit.

It was also a chance for fans to see a glimpse of the future for the Black and Whites, as they were only just edged out 34-32 in this entertaining encounter.

There's plenty more pre-season action taking place next weekend and beyond, in the build up to Round 1 next month.

Fans can find all the relevant information, dates and kick-off times for these pre-season fixtures over in the Rugby League Match Centre, as we eagerly count down to the start of the 2024 Betfred Super League campaign.