Premier League: Castleford Tigers 16-26 Wigan Warriors

Wigan won it all in 2024 as they secured an unprecedented quadruple, but had to watch last year as Hull KR were the team to beat the Warriors to none of the title.

But head coach Matt Peat has resisted any urge to make major changes, as the squad that started here contained no new arrivals and was full of names synonymous with successive Premier League titles.

On the other hand, everything changed during the winter for Castleford after finishing eleventh last year.

New Australian coach Ryan Carr took over and there were eight players for the first time in the starting line-up – and the Tigers have been shaken up under new owner Martin Gibson.

It was one of these new arrivals, Hood, who scored the first try, when the hooker moved from dummy half.

The home side withstood some serious pressure near their line but defended with real intent until Marshall gained space near the corner and went over for his 148th Premier League try.

A shift of pace from the Frenchman and a nice exchange of passes with Eckersley allowed the star half-back to put his side ahead for the first time.

The duo reversed roles immediately after the break, when winger Eckersley followed up on four tries in last week’s Challenge Cup here.

Nice hands from Adam Keighran put Eckersley into his second position, while Wardell’s excellent line and blistering pace caught up to him.

But the Tigers were rewarded late in their first committed game under their new coach as Ravaloa kicked the first score and Lawler went for the final play, with both sides of Keighran sinned for late head contact.