Relegation fears add edge to derby

Today's game between Wakefield and Castleford has all the elements of rugby league that John Kear relishes and specialises in.

"I love the Challenge Cup," said the Wildcats coach. "I love local derbies and I have an affinity with Castleford." There is an extra strand to their rivalry this time. One of them is likely to be ejected from Super League to make way for Widnes.

"It's ironic that the two teams who might be favourites to drop out should be drawn together," said Kear. "But I think it's disrespectful to the Challenge Cup to say that it makes a big difference. When you are playing for a place in the last eight, you can smell the Wembley atmosphere and that should be incentive enough."

Today's other tie pits Widnes against the sort of opposition they will face next season, in Hull.

The pick of tomorrow's ties is at Huddersfield, where the Catalan Dragons are the visitors. The Giants could have Keith Mason back after knee surgery.