St Helens host Wakefield Trinity in Round Seven of Super League tonight with two competition points on the line as both clubs take to the field after Challenge Cup exits.
Those exits were costly ones as well with multiple injuries coming for both sides in their 20-12 defeats, St Helens falling to Warrington Wolves and Wakefield losing out to Leigh.
Both games played out as if they were closer than the 20-12 scoreline suggests with Trinity’s costly errors serving as their downfall and Saints’ inability to control George Williams being theirs.
As referenced, injuries didn’t help, especially for St Helens who lost two players to HIAs in a short space of time in the first half and that saw them forced to play two second-rowers in their centres. As for Wakefield, both Olly and Matty Russell broke bones with loose forward Jay Pitts ending the night in the halves.
Based on the club’s 21-man squads and the injury reports given by the head coaches, here are our predicted teams for the clash between St Helens and Wakefield Trinity.
How could St Helens line up against Wakefield
St Helens lost Mark Percival to a HIA but Harry Robertson returns from one meaning that is a relatively straight-forward swap and Matt Whitley could continue to fill in in the back-line, having done so admirably in recent weeks.
Jake Wingfield was the other man to fail a HIA so he’s out and that could provide an opportunity for James Bell who was only activated last week as the 18th man.
Daryl Clark is out due to an injury sustained when he hit the posts crossing over to score meaning Moses Mbye will be the dummy-half option, with young Jake Burns on the interchange bench.
Lewis Murphy is also named for the first time since sustaining an injury in Round One and should he return then Dayon Sambou may drop out. There’s also an ankle issue for Jonny Lomax who was set to be given all the time needed to recover, however, if he doesn’t then young George Whitby could expect to get the nod.
Predicted St Helens XIII: Jack Welsby, Lewis Murphy, Harry Roberton, Matt Whitley, Jon Bennison, Tristan Sailor, Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmlsey, Moses Mbye, Matty Lees, Joe Batchelor, Curtis Sironen, Morgan Knowles
Interchanges: Jake Burns, Agnatius Paasi, George Delaney, James Bell
How could Wakefield Trinity line up against Saints
Both Olly Russell and Matty Russell broke bones against Leigh with the half-back suffering a broken hand that could rule him out for eight to ten weeks, whilst the winger’s rib issues could sideline him for three to four.
There’s a timely return for Max Jowitt who may be required to play in the halves alongside Mason Lino as Jake Trueman also remains absent. That would mean Josh Rourke continues to play at full-back.
As for Matty Russell’s replacement, Lachlan Walmsley could slot in on the wing or Daryl Powell could even opt to move Oliver Pratt out and bring Corey Hall into the centres.
Seth Nikotemo is set to debut and could do so from the start with Wakefield likely to carry a bench full of forwards to try and combat Saints’ huge pack.
Predicted Wakefield Trinity XIII: Josh Rourke, Lachlan Wamsley, Cam Scott, Oliver Pratt, Tom Johnstone, Mason Lino, Max Jowitt, Mike McMeeken, Liam Hood, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Isaiah Vagana, Seth Nikotemo, Jay Pitts
Interchanges: Harvey Smith, Renouf Atoni, Ky Rodwell, Caius Faatili
🔙 Three changes for Trinity as we get ready to take on @Saints1890!
➡️ Max Jowitt, Seth Nikotemo, Jayden Myers
⬅️ Oliver Russell, Josh Griffin, Matty Russell👉🏻 https://t.co/kf7ViVeoo4#UpTheTrin pic.twitter.com/RxfVWOrq5b
— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) April 9, 2025
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