Richardson to start for Saints

Youngster Danny Richardson will replace Matty Smith in the halves on Friday when St Helens host Hull FC.

Smith required second surgery on a nasty eyelid injury he suffered against Leeds on Friday with a return date yet to be set.

This could provide Richardson with an opportunity to prove his worth to head coach Justin Holbrook, starting against the Black and Whites this weekend.

The 20-year-old half-back has already played four times for Saints this season but his opportunities recently have been limited.

In a boost for the Red Vee, centre Mark Percival returns from suspension but captain Jon Wilkin will miss the game after receiving a one-match ban.

Young prop Matty Lees has been named in the squad and the 19-year-old could make his Saints debut if called upon by Holbrook.

Their opponents Hull have named the same squad that lost narrowly to league leaders’ Castleford last week.

Saints: Lomax, Makinson, Morgan, Percival, Swift, Fages, Walmsley, Roby, Amor, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Douglas, Thompson, Lee, Peyroux, Knowles, Richardson, Grace, Lees, Taia.

Hull: Shaul, Fonua, Tuimavave, Griffin, Talanoa, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Watts, Minichiello, Connor, Thompson, Washbrook, Manu, Bowden, Turgut, Fash, Matongo.