Leeds Rhinos vs St Helens line-ups predicted with key returns for both sides expected

Leeds Rhinos vs St Helens is always a fixture that fans look forward to that little bit more. The history between the sides is tremendous, with many finals contested between the sides over the years. 

This game will be no different, as it will be seen as a must win for both teams if they are to secure a place in the top four and guarantee a home semi-final in the playoffs. 

Leeds have only beaten Sains twice in the last 22 attempts, with the second of those coming earlier this year at Magic Weekend. 

The last time Leeds beat the Red Vee at Headingley was August 2017, when Ryan Hall and Kallum Watkins both scored points to help seal the win. Could that happen again? 

Here is how both sides are predicted to line up on Friday night. 

Rhinos boss Brad Arthur has confirmed that Andy Ackers will make his long-awaited return to the side, after being missing since March with an injury he picked up against Saints in the Challenge Cup. 

He will fill in for the suspended Tom Holroyd, who surpassed the first threshold of disciplinary points after a high tackle in the win over Hull KR. 

Alfie Edgell’s performances are making it hard for Arthur to choose between him and Riley Lumb. We expect Lumb to return to the starting side this week, however there is nothing to choose between the youngsters at the minute.  

Other than that, Leeds should remain unchanged from their comeback win over the Rovers on Sunday. 

For Saints, they welcome back centre Mark Percival, who has been missing since Round 13. The experienced 31-year-old will come into the side in place of Matt Whitley, who is a second rower by trade, but because of Deon Cross’ injury, deputised in the centres last week. 

Youngster George Whitby is named in Paul Wellens’ 21-man squad for this game, however he is set to line up for Halifax Panthers this weekend after being named in their initial squad to face Toulouse. 

Leeds Rhinos vs St Helens predicted teams

Leeds: 1. Lachie Miller; 23. Riley Lumb, 3. Harry Newman, 4. Ash Handley, 5. Ryan Hall; 6. Brodie Croft, 18. Jake Connor; 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 14. Jarrod O’Connor, 10. Keenan Palasia; 28. Kallum Watkins, 12. James McDonnell, 13. Cameron Smith 

Bench: 9. Andy Ackers, 11. James Bentley, 15. Sam Lisone, 17. Cooper Jenkins 

St Helens: 6. Tristan Sailor; 2. Kyle Feldt, 26. Harry Robertson, 4. Mark Percival, 30. Owen Dagnall; 7. Jonny Lomax, 14. Moses Mbye; 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees; 11. Curtis Sironen, 16. Matt Whitley, 13. Morgan Knowles. 

Bench: 17. Agnatius Paasi, 18. Jake Wingfield, 19. George Delaney, 23. Jake Burns