St Helens face Leeds Rhinos on Friday evening in a huge game for both sides, the Rhinos lurking just outside the playoffs, whilst Saints currently sit fourth chasing down rivals Wigan Warriors.
Both games between these sides this season have gone to the wire with Leeds edging the first game 25-24 courtesy of a Blake Austin field goal, whereas the second game went to golden point in which Saints prevailed 13-12.
It would be expecded therefore that this third clash could be ewually close but St Helens are coming in off the back of a bruising semi-final loss against Leigh.
Not only is there the pyschological damage of losing such a hard-fought game but there is also the actual injury cost of the game, and that’s been massive for Paul Wellens’ side.
Wellens had described in the immediate aftermath that Agnatius Paasi’s knee had been “blown to smithereens”.
Now, a further update has revealed an ACL, MCL and damaged ankle ligaments will sideline him for nine months.
Moreover prop Alex Walmsley will miss three months with an MCL of his own, veteran Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook is out for two weeks and loose forward Morgan Knowles is a 50/50 chance for the match.
That sees Saints pack decimated and to add further salt into the wound Sione Mata’utia is suspended for two matches following a high shot in Saturday’s game.
St Helens have revealed their team news via their website and they’ve had to turn to youth to fill out their squad with Jon Bennison, Curtis Sironen and Joe Batchelor all missing as well.
Meanwhile Joey Lussick played his last game for the club on Saturday ahead of his immediate release to move to Parramatta.
That’s left Saints with a squad featuring Lewis Baxter, Matty Foster, Taylor Pemberton, and Wesley Bruines with Foster and Pemberton named for the first time.
New signing Moses Mbye, Lussick’s replacement, features as well.
⚪🔴 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 ⚪🔴
Paul Wellens and Matty Smith have named their Saints squads for this Friday's Double Header at the @twstadium!
Full news 👇#COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) July 26, 2023
As for Leeds Rhinos they’ve had the week off but it will have bene agonising following their golden point loss to Hull KR.
James Donaldson is a key man returning after passing the return to play protocols from his HIA, whilst Luke Hooley gets a recall to the squad after impressing at Batley of late in particularly in the 1895 Cup in which he guided them to the final.
Zane Tetevano remains out, as does Harry Newman but otherwise the Rhinos have named a very strong and healthy squad.
Rohan Smith has named his 21 man squad to face Saints this Fridayhttps://t.co/x9WDxtEU1o
🤝 @BoardrmUK
#YourFutureOurPassion pic.twitter.com/BaFM6Y0A29— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) July 26, 2023
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