Gareth Widdop returns to Castleford squad while Salford receive huge boost

Gareth Widdop has returned to Castleford’s 21-man squad for their trip to the AJ Bell Stadium to face Salford on Thursday. 

Widdop, 34, fell ill during the club’s visit to Perpignan and was a late withdrawal from their squad, replaced in the halves by Jack Broadbent.

The former England international missed the club’s following game against Wakefield, picking up a 16-4 win over the Super League strugglers at the Mend-Hose-Jungle.

He has been included in Andy Last’s 21-man squad to take on the Red Devils in Super League Round Nine.

Widdop is one of four changes made to the squad, with Adam Milner also returning, having served his two-match ban.

Youngsters Sam Hall and Brad Martin have also been named.

Loose forward Joe Westerman will be forced to watch from the sidelines after copping a one-match ban for a Grade B trip charge against Wakefield.

Albert Vete drops out following his loan move to Championship side Featherstone. He made his first appearance from the bench in the 26-18 victory over Batley.

Jason Qareqare and Jacob Hookem also miss out.

Huge boost for Salford

Salford have named Oliver Partington in their 21-man squad for Thursday’s home fixture in a huge boost for the side.

The 24-year-old loose forward was expected to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks, having required a knee operation.

Salford: Brierley, Sio, Watkins, Burgess, Croft, Sneyd, Ormondroyd, Ackers, Vuniyayawa, Dixon, Stone, Partington, Atkin, Addy, Dupree, Wright, Longstaff, Williams, Costello, Hellewell, Cross.

Castleford: Evalds, Eden, Turner, Fonua, Faraimo, Widdop, Miller, Lawler, McShane, Griffin, Edwards, Mellor, Massey, Milner, Broadbent, Mustapha, Smith, Matagi, Martin, Hall, Johnson.

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