Two-time Grand Final winner Ian Millward previews this year's Super League showpiece and says Castleford can overcome Zak Hardaker's absence
Castleford (-4) v Leeds (Saturday, 1800 BST, Sky Sports Arena & Main Event)
There’s no getting away from it, Zak Hardaker will be a massive loss for Castleford. He’s been a rock to rely on defensively and attacking-wise.
In a team which has been a country mile the best in Super League, he’s been disciplined on the field all year and full-back is one of the main areas to gain as many yards as possible. He does that with kick returns or coming out of rucks.
One big factor which will be missed is his experience of playing internationals and at Old Trafford previously. In a team that is pretty inexperienced in big games like this, his presence was going to be very, very positive for Cas.
I’d expect Greg Eden to move to full-back and Joel Monaghan to come in on the wing. He’s an experienced player and a prolific tryscorer himself.
The Hardaker news tips the scales towards Leeds a bit but I’m still going to stick with my original opinion that Castleford will win this game.