Whitehaven have confirmed their third and final warm-up game ahead of the 2023 season will be against Super League side Castleford Tigers.
The game at the LEL Arena to round off the pre-season schedule will be on Sunday January 29 with a 3pm kick off.
Haven will welcome the Tigers to the LEL Arena for the first time since August 2007 when the Tigers secured a 20-12 victory in front of the Sky cameras back in National League 1.
Many fans will remember some of the battles involving the two sides in 2005 and 2007 including the 2005 National League 1 Grand Final.
The clash with Lee Radford’s Tigers will be the last of three pre-season games at the LEL Arena after Workington Town on Sunday January 15 in the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy and Wigan Warriors on Sunday January 22. All fixtures will kick off at 3pm.
Jonty Gorley said “It’s great to have three home friendlies this year, all of which should drum up some pre season interest for the fans.
“The Ike game is special to both clubs – the only scheduled fixture between us and Town this year – and to me personally. Also, to get two Super League clubs coming to the LEL is fantastic.
“Hopefully they will all serve a purpose in our preparation for the new championship season and like I said, be good for the fans too.”
Director Ashley Kilpatrick added:“It’s absolutely brilliant to have these three friendlies at home this forthcoming season. Having the Ike game at home and then two Super League sides coming in consecutive weeks will be brilliant to see down at the LEL arena.
“Danny Wilson at Castleford was a massive help getting this one confirmed and sorted really quickly. It was part of the deal that saw Kieran Hudson sign permanently for the Tigers.
“Hopefully we can attract big crowds to all three games and it would be great to see the LEL arena bouncing for three weeks consecutively and giving us a good start heading into the 2023 season.”
