Tigers v Rhinos: Teams

Leeds coach Brian McDermott is warning his team to expect a backlash from Castleford in Friday's Stobart Super League derby at the Probiz Coliseum.

The Tigers are smarting from a 46-4 home thrashing by Wigan, a third consecutive defeat which leaves them struggling near the foot of the table but McDermott insists there will be no complacency from the champions.

"Teams who lose at home like that are very dangerous the following week," he said.

"But, when you add into the mix that it is Castleford versus Leeds at Wheldon Road and it's on live TV, you have a dangerous combination for any team that goes there under-prepared."

Big derby

Acting Castleford head coach Stuart Donlan, who endured a difficult baptism against the Warriors, is hoping the prospect of a big derby will go some way to quickly turning around the club's fortunes.

"It's one tough one after another but I think the short-turnaround might do us good because just want to get out there and put right the wrongs from Sunday," he said.

"It comes no bigger than Leeds. It's something we're looking forward to. There's been an extra spring in the players' steps. Whether that's the Leeds factor or not, I'm not sure, but they seem really keen."

Donlan remains in charge with Ian Millward on compassionate leave following the sudden death of his 19-year-old son Robbie but says the former St Helens boss could be back "in a week or so".

"I spoke to Ian yesterday and was with him last night for a couple of hours," Donlan said. "He's a lot better.

"We spoke about rugby and general things. He cracked a few jokes which was good to hear.

"It's still tough for him. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day with the funeral and next weekend would have been Robbie's birthday so that's another hurdle for him to get over.

"We're not expecting him back immediately. I know he wants to come back but he says at the minute he's not quite there mentally. He'll be back maybe in a week or so.

"He's slowly but surely coming to terms with it but it's going to take him a long time."

Team news

Australian prop Grant Millington is in line to make his Super League debut for Castleford against the champions.

The 25-year-old Millington, who joined the Tigers on a two-year deal from Canterbury Bulldogs in November, missed the first four rounds after undergoing shoulder surgery but has been named in Donlan's 19-man squad.

He is poised to go up against England skipper Jamie Peacock, who will return to the Rhinos line-up after being rested for Sunday's win at Widnes.

Bradford-born academy hooker Liam Hood, 20, could make his Super League debut for Leeds after overcoming an ankle injury to be named in McDermott's 19-man squad for the first time this season.

Castleford squad: Owen, Youngquest, Dixon, Griffin, Chase, Orr, Emmitt, Clark, Ferres, Snitch, Jones, Milner, Mitchell, Millington, Holmes, Massey, McGoldrick, Nash, Grehan

Leeds squad: Webb, Jones-Bishop, Watkins, Hardaker, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, McShane, Peacock, Ablett, Sinfield, Delaney, Kirke, Clarkso, Griffin, Moore, Pitts, Hood