Qareqare hat-trick fires Castleford past Bradford

Betfred Super League

Castleford (22) 40

Tries: Qareqare 3, McIntosh 2, Lawler, Weaver Goals: Weaver 6

Bradford (16) 28

Jason Qareqare’s hat-trick inspired a sensational turnaround as Castleford beat Bradford 40-28 at the OneBore Stadium to secure a second Super League win of the season.

The lead changed hands four times in a frantic first half as Qareqare’s treble and Darnell McIntosh’s score, replying to tries from Esan Marsters and Joe Mellor, edged Cas 22-16 ahead at the break.

Having trailed by four points with two minutes of the first half left, rapid scores from George Lawler, Tom Weaver and McIntosh’s second took the hosts 24 points clear within 10 minutes of the restart.

Luke Hooley crossed on the hour as he finished with 16 points, but Bulls’ comeback hopes fell short as Waqa Blake’s score was ruled out before Marsters grabbed a late second.

Castleford: Cini, Valemei, McIntosh, Mapapalangi, Qareqare, Asi, Weaver, Atoni, Forber, Westerman, Lane, Hirst, Lawler.

Interchanges: Greacen, Doolan, Hall, Beckett.

Bradford: Aekins, Hooley, Marsters, Blake, Ryan, Nikorima, Milnes, Sutton, Ackers, Lewis, Chamberlain, Ruan, Mellor.

Interchanges: Atkin, Ormondroyd, Hallas, Steinwede.