Huge Super League club only name 20-man squad for vital fixture

St Helens finally made up their game disadvantage on the weekend when they faced Huddersfield Giants on Sunday and that propelled them into third, just behind Wigan Warriors and ahead of Leigh Leopards who had spent Saturday defeating Hull KR in the Challenge Cup Final.

Saints now face KR on Friday night with a win for the Saints giving them the chance to jump ahead of Leigh, who play on Saturday, and keep the pressure on Wigan Warriors who face Hull FC.

As for Rovers they’ll be trying to get over the heartbreak at Wembley from Saturday after they fell to defeat in golden point by a score of 17-16, in one of the competition’s most dramatic ever finals.

Rovers sit just inside the playoffs, only two points clear of seventh placed Salford Red Devils and the chasing pack that consists of city rivals Hull FC.

A win for Rovers is of paramount importance as they try to ensure that this promising season doesn’t end in both Challenge Cup and playoff heartbreak.

As for Saints they’ve picked up plenty of form of late and are coming into form right at the business end of the season however they’ll be without one of their key players in Matty Lees.

Prop Lees was suspended following a high shot against Huddersfield at the weekend and whilst Saints appealed the decision they were unsuccessful, with the England international now set to serve a two match ban.

They’re also without Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi in their forward pack, whereas Hull KR will also be without Elliot Minchella through suspension following his yellow card for a late shot on the kicker in Saturday’s final.

Head Coach Paul Wellens has James Bell to call upon following his one-match suspension last week, whilst Wesley Bruines comes out of the named declaration.

Prop forward Matty Lees received a two-match penalty notice for a Grade C ‘High Tackle’ charge from the Match Review Panel, this decision was upheld by the Operational Rules Tribunal. However, the Club will be appealing the decision on Tuesday night, following the result of which the Saints’ 21^st man in the squad shall be named.

As for Hull KR, they have lost Elliot Minchella to suspension so bring back Jack Walker.