In recognition of his tenth season of service to the Saints, 2026 is Matty Lees’ Testimonial Year, and this match will be held in his honour. It will allow all of us as a club, a town and a community to come together and acknowledge the remarkable efforts of our First Team captain.

With 194 appearances for the Red V so far, Lees has established himself as one of the very best props in the Super League and a deserved England international.

Our #10 has played his part in the Saints’ Super League title-winning years from 2019 to 2022, with a Challenge Cup in 2021 and World Club Challenge in 2023.

If that was not exciting enough, this match will also be the first with Paul Rowley as our First Team Head Coach. Plus, there are a number of our new faces, both recruits and young developing stars who could all feature in this match against Castleford.

🎟️ TICKET & ENTRY INFORMATION

Your quickest and easiest method of securing your spot at the BrewDog Stadium is by purchasing your ticket online by visiting here.

You can secure a digital or ‘Print at Home’ ticket which would not require you to visit the Ticket Office.

South Stand (Seating)

  • Adult – £15
  • Concession (65+) – £12
  • Junior (Ages 5-16) – £8
  • Family Ticket – x2 Adults + x2 Juniors – £40

West Stand (Standing)

  • Adult – £13
  • Concession (65+) – £10
  • Junior (Ages 5-16) – £7
  • Family Ticket – x2 Adults + x2 Juniors – £35

All Under 5s are FREE but you will require a ticket which can be obtained from the Saints’ Ticket Office at the BrewDog Stadium. Accessible tickets are available by contacting the Ticket Office too.

Family Ticket is strictly for x2 Adults and x2 Juniors only, and must be purchased together in one order – these can be purchased by clicking here.

📰 SQUAD NEWS

Paul Rowley has announced a 27-man squad for his first match as Head Coach since his appointment back in October.

Five of our recruits for the 2026 season are in contention for their first appearances in the famous Red V strip. We also have a number of young Saints players who could feature and experience some senior match minutes in front of a big crowd at The BrewDog Stadium for the first time.

Click or tap on the image below to read more about our Squad News.

Castleford have a new man at the helm heading into the 2026 season, with Ryan Carr now serving as Head Coach. He has a whole host of new signings that have been brought in, ten of which are in contention to feature for the Tigers.

Brock Greacen, Blake Taaffe, Mikaele Rivalawa, Semi Valeme, Jordan Lane, Renouf Atoni, Liam Hood, Darnell McIntosh and Tom Weaver could play for Cas for the first time.

Jimmy Beckett is a new face for the Fords, but featured in their victory over Leeds Rhinos last week which was Brad Singleton’s Testimonial Match, and featured mostly young and Reserves players for each side.

Castleford Tigers’ 23-man squad

1. Blake Taaffe, 2. Semi Valemei, 4. Darnell McIntosh, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Daejarn Asi, 7. Tom Weaver, 8. Renouf Atoni, 9. Liam Hood, 10. George Lawler, 11. Jordan Lane, 12. Alex Mellor, 13. Joe Stimson, 14. Brock Greacen, 16. Joe Westerman, 17. Chris Atkin, 18. Fletcher Rooney, 19. Brad Singleton, 21. Louis Senior, 22. Jason Qareqare, 24. Jenson Windley, 25. Sam Hall, 26. Alfie Lindsey, 30. Jimmy Beckett

📲 FOLLOW THE GAME WITH SAINTS

Not coming to the BrewDog Stadium? We’ve got you covered…

Get updated in full with the Saints’ Live Match Centre – our hub for you to find out the team news, follow live game updates, see behind the scenes photos, and read all the key stories of the fixture.

St.Helens’ social media accounts will keep supporters up to date with every key moment. Make sure you are following us!

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📺 HOW CAN I WATCH THE GAME BACK?

Highlights and the full match replay of this game will be available for Saints TV subscribers, alongside the post-match reaction from Paul Rowley, with player interviews too.

🥤 FOOD & DRINK

Food and drinks options will be available for supporters in the West & South Stand concourses.

Please note that for this fixture The Karalius Bar in the South West Stand will not be available.

Supporters in the South West area of the stadium are advised to please visit the open kiosks in the West Stand (Popular Side & Wide To West kiosks).

Full allergy information is visible for each food product on offer in our concourses, please check our allergy information on our digital menu boards or speak to a member of staff.

Please note: Fans are not permitted to bring in any food or drink not purchased on the premises other than bottled water for medical reasons.

📖 LEES’ TESTIMONIAL BROCHURE

Matty Lees’ Testimonial Brochure will be on sale around the ground via his Testimonial Committee priced at £10.

A must-have for fans of Leesy, the brochure features some incredible stories and words from some beloved Saints and big names in the world of rugby league.

Lees shares about his life, and his story in the Red V so far…


🗣️ MATCH OFFICIALS

Jack Smith will be the Referee for Saturday afternoon’s game, and he will be supported by Touch Judges Warren Turley and Paul Marklove.

There will be no video referee for this pre-season fixture.

📊 THE RECORD AGAINST CASTLEFORD
Super League summary

St.Helens and Castleford have faced each other 68 times in the Betfred Super League era. Saints have won 56 meetings, with the Tigers winning 11 and just the one draw between the teams.

Our biggest victory over the Tigers was a 4-72 victory in West Yorkshire back in 2006.

Saints have won nine of the last ten meetings against the Tigers, and will be looking to make three from three in 2025.

Last ten meetings

St.Helens 26, Castleford 24 (SLR20, 19/9/25)
St.Helens 40, Castleford 0 (SLR20, 1/8/25)
Castleford 6, St.Helens 46 (SLR2, 22/2/25)
St.Helens 40, Castleford 4 (SLR26, 13/9/24)
St.Helens 6, Castleford 8 (SLR16, 5/7/24)
Castleford 4, St.Helens 60 (SLR11, 10/5/24)
Castleford 4, St.Helens 34 (SLR23, 25/8/23)
St.Helens 22, Castleford 0 (SLR17, 30/6/23)
Castleford 6, St.Helens 24 (SLR2, 26/2/23)
St.Helens 20, Castleford 12 (SLR22, 7/8/22)

🔻 1̶9̶9̶6̶  2026 HOME KIT

The Saints’ 206 Home Kit will be worn for the first time on Saturday afternoon!

Paying homage to the inaugural season of Super League in 1996, this year is 30 years since that momentous campaign during which St.Helens won the League title and a memorable Challenge Cup victory at Wembley.

The kit worn during that season has since become iconic, and a retro favourite amongst Saints fans. Worn by the likes of Steve Prescott MBE, Tommy Martyn, Keiron Cunningham, Chris Joynt, Anthony Sullivan, Bobbie Goulding and Paul Newlove to name but a few.

In celebrating the triumphs of that year, we have launched an updated version of the kit using modern fabrics but retaining the iconic design features from the 90s era.

🦺 SUPPORTER SAFETY

St.Helens R.F.C. want to ensure that everyone who comes to enjoy game days at the BrewDog Stadium can do so in a safe and friendly environment! The Club would like to reiterate to supporters that it operates a zero-tolerance approach to any anti-social behaviour.

Misbehaviours that will not be tolerated include, but are not limited to; physical or verbal abuse, violent conduct, missile throwing, excessive alcohol misuse, and any drug use.

Furthermore, the use of pyrotechnics is strictly prohibited under both rugby and football ground regulations. They can cause serious injuries to those who carry them as well as fellow spectators, as well as damage to surfaces such as the playing pitch which can cost clubs thousands of pounds.

St.Helens would also like to encourage parents/guardians of children coming to the ground to ensure they are always aware of what their child is doing and where in the stadium they are at all times.

🎒 BAG CHECK

Personal bags of A5 size or smaller only will be permitted in the BrewDog Stadium, and our stewarding staff will check your bags and conduct bag checks upon entry.

We kindly ask supporters to please remain patient and be co-operative with our staff, and we thank you for your understanding.

Bags larger than A5 will only be permitted at the discretion of St.Helens R.F.C. staff if containing essentials for babies, or medical purposes and will be subject to being searched before entry. It is advised to provide Medical Exemption Certificates or proof of eligibility for a Medical Exemption Certificate.

O’Neills branded paper bags from the Saints Superstore will be permitted entry, however they too will be subject to bag checks from our stewarding staff.

Bag-Drop Facility

A Bag-Drop area will be set up at the BrewDog Stadium for any bags that would not be permitted entry. This will be located in the South East corner of the stadium and will be open from two hours before kick-off and will close one hour after full time.

Please note our Bag-Drop facility will cost £3 per bag, and as a cashless venue only debit or credit cards will be accepted. St.Helens R.F.C. accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of items which are left at the owners’ risk, with all bags subject to a search.

😇 HONOURING THE PAST. INSPIRING THE FUTURE.

In 2026 St.Helens R.F.C. marks a momentous milestone – 30 years on from our club securing the Double with the 1996 Challenge Cup trophy and the inaugural Super League title. Saints will celebrate three decades of thrilling rugby league action, unforgettable moments, and the unwavering passion of the Red V faithful.

On the field, our next generation of homegrown stars await, and they will be striving to repeat the successes of the glorious 1996 season.

Being a Member is simply the best value way to support your Club, with up to 23% saved on matchday ticket prices!

Find out more by clicking on the image below!