Though the focus is on Hull KR and Leigh Leopards and Wembley after their wins over Wigan Warriors and St Helens in the Challenge Cup semi-finals, there is another game this week as Huddersfield Giants and St Helens meet in a crucial fixture for both.
Huddersfield are chasing a place in the top six as they battle with Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos for a place in the top six.
Saints are hoping to take a place in the top two which would give them a home semi-final and a step closer to a fifth consecutive Grand Final win.
They are currently behind Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons in the Super League table.
The team news has now been confirmed.
Huddersfield are notably without injured winger Jermaine McGillvary and the only two absentees from their first 13 are Josh Jones and Luke Yates.
😇 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🟠
Ian Watson has named an unchanged 21-Man Squad for Sunday's trip to face @Saints1890. 👇#CowbellArmy🐮🔔 pic.twitter.com/MOknzMaNY9
— Huddersfield Giants 🐮🔔 (@Giantsrl) August 11, 2023
The Saints and the Giants were originally set to meet in the opening round of Betfred Super League 2023, but due to St. Helens’ historic and victorious involvement in the World Club Challenge in Australia, the fixture was set to be re-arranged and it will now take place at our home ground this coming weekend.
The Saints are looking to make it three wins in a row following a gutsy win over Leeds Rhinos last time out at the Totally Wicked Stadium, and then last Sunday’s remarkable comeback away victory over Salford Red Devils, from 15-2 down to winning 15-18.
Paul Wellens names four changes to the squad that was declared for the win over the Red Devils, with Will Hopoate and Curtis Sironen stepping out due to injuries they have unfortunately picked up in another huge blow for the Saints confirming what had long been suspected.
James Bell is also out due to receiving a one-match penalty notice by the Match Review Panel, while Jake Burn is the fourth change.
⚪ 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🔴
Paul Wellens has named his 21-man Saints squad for our Round One clash with @Giantsrl on Sunday!
Full story 👇#COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) August 11, 2023
Saints are boosted in the outside backs with the possible return of Jon Bennsion, whilst the pack has more experience stepping in with Sione Mata’utia available after serving his two-match ban, and both Joe Batchelor and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook working their ways back to return to action following injuries.
Ian Watson’s Huddersfield Giants are in a rich vein of form right now, having won their last four matches, they will also be out for revenge after already suffering two defeats to St. Helens in 2023, the most recent of which was in June at Magic Weekend when the Saints dominated the Giants, 48-6.
