Paul Wellens makes interesting wing call as he names his first St Helens side

Mark Percival will go down as a modern legend of the game.

He is a four-time Super League Champion and a two-time Grand Final try scorer scoring superb tries against Salford Red Devils and Leeds Rhinos in almost the exact same spot both times in Saints’ first and last Grand Final triumphs of their historic four in a row. Percival did sadly miss out in the 2020 win over Wigan Warriors.

Nonetheless, he is a player who should be celebrated and will be tonight as the Saints take on Widnes Vikings.

The game kicks off at 8pm at the Totally Wicked Stadium tonight.

Paul Wellens named his first squad as St Helens coach on Wednesday as he prepares his side for a clash against Widnes Vikings in Mark Percival’s testimonial.

In a heartbreaking turn of fate, Percival will not play in the game through injury.

Meanwhile, England internationals Jack Welsby, Tommy Makinson, Matty Lees, Joe Batchelor and Morgan Knowles are rested as is skipper James Roby.

Will Hopoate is also absent whilst Lewis Dodd and Alex Walmsley return from injury.

Jonny Lomax and Sione Mata’utia will feature as will Joey Lussick, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Curtis Sironen and Agnatius Paasi.

There will be a debut for winger Tee Ritson as his battle with Jon Bennison for the left wing spot begins with the two both set to feature in this clash.

Konrad Hurrell will also be hoping to show that he should start at centre as he gets a run out.

Interestingly Bennison starts at fullback which perhaps give Ritson the edge in the wing battle.

The Saints front row is powerful with Agnatius Paasi and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook at prop with Joey Lussick at nine.

For the first time in months Jonny Lomax and Lewis Dodd start alongside each other in the halves.

🔴⚪ Here is how the Saints line-up for the first time in 2023, in @MarkPercival22's Testimonial Game!@Dodd1Lewis is 🔙 in action for the first time since April as Paul Wellens names a strong starting squad with plenty of youth off the bench!#COYS pic.twitter.com/rPUon7Iurg

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 27, 2023