Head coaches Adrian Lam and Paul Wellens have both made changes to their line-ups this evening as Leigh Leopards take on St Helens. The Saints travel to the Leigh Sports Village knowing that only a win will be enough to keep their hopes of finishing in the top four alive heading into the final weekend.
Leigh, on the other hand, will have their eyes on third spot, with Leeds Rhinos’ loss to Catalans Dragons opening the door for them to move up the league ladder and into third.
The Leopards have been forced into one change with Tesi Niu dropping out of the fold due to a failed HIA last week. Andy Badrock is the man chosen to start at centre in the Tongan’s absence and Leigh have been boosted by the return of Joe Ofahengaue.
The prop scored two tries the last time the two sides met and he returns from injury in time for the end of the season. He’ll come off the bench, as will Aaron Pene, who makes way for Owen Trout to come into the starting XIII.
Alec Tuitavake is the man that drops out of the 17-man squad but he is named as 18th man.
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Wellens has shaken up his side yet again, with Jack Welsby being asked to play at stand-off alongside Moses Mbye this evening. Welsby played at 13 last time out but with Wellens still deliberating his best spine, Welsby has now taken Lomax’s spot in the side, with the veteran dropping to the bench.
That means Tristan Sailor keeps his spot at full-back, while Joe Batchelor is the man asked to play loose-forward.
Curtis Sironen starts at back-row, while George Delaney returns from his ban and takes up a spot on the bench. Jake Burns drops out for the Saints and interestingly, there’s no Shane Wright, despite Wellens talking up his fitness during the week.
Leigh Leopards v St Helens line-ups
Leigh Leopards: Bailey Hodgson; Keanan Brand, Umyla Hanley, Andrew Badrock, Josh Charnley; Gaz O’Brien, Lachlan Lam; Owen Trout, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern; Frankie Halton, Jack Hughes; Isaac Liu
Interchanges: Matt Davis, Aaron Pene, Joe Ofahengaue, Brad Dwyer.
St Helens: Tristan Sailor; Kyle Feldt, Harry Robertson, Mark Percival, Deon Cross; Jack Welsby, Moses Mbye; Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees; Curtis Sironen, Matt Whitley; Joe Batchelor
Interchanges: George Delaney, Agnatius Paasi, Jonny Lomax, James Bell.
