St Helens and Hull FC have confirmed their 21-man squads for Thursday night’s Super League clash with the hosts welcoming back young star George Whitby after knee surgery.
Saints know that another loss could end their hopes of finishing in the top six, something that would mean that they miss the play-offs for the first time in Super League history.
As for Hull FC, they’re desperate for a win due to the fact that they haven’t tasted victory since mid-June with the Black and Whites currently on a seven-game losing streak.
That win over Huddersfield was actually a first win in five as the club’s record under Andy Last sits at a dour two wins from 13 matches. With the Giants having now won their last two games, including last week against Hull FC, there is real danger of a wooden spoon finish.
As such, there’s more than just two points on the line for each side, with both still hard hit by injuries.
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St Helens team news
It’s fair to say that St Helens are far harder hit with the Red Vee missing over a dozen first-team players, eight of whom are out for the season.
Eamon O’Carroll makes two changes to his squad as Tyler McGann and Alfie Tate drop out, replaced by the returning pair of George Whitby (knee) and Matty Evans (HIA).
It’s a major boost to have Whitby back so soon after his knee surgery with initial fears suggesting that his season could have been over if the recovery was on the longer end of the 8-16 week recovery timeline.
St Helens 21-man squad: Jack Welsby, Harry Robertson, Tristan Sailor, Alex Walmsley, Shane Wright, Jacob Host, George Whitby, Lewis Murphy, Jake Burns, Joe Shorrocks, Jacob Douglas, Jake Davies, Alfie Sinclair, Tom Humphreys, Jackson Hastings, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Billy Keeley, Cole Marsh, Matty Evans, Chris Matagi, Jack Campbell
🔻 𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒
Interim Head Coach Eamon O’Carroll has confirmed his 21-man Saints squad that will host @hullfcofficial on Thursday night at the @BrewDogStadium!
Full story 😇 https://t.co/2Bo1Txjihp#COYS | R. Whittle Ltd. pic.twitter.com/eidbp4we52
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) August 4, 2026
Hull FC team news
Herman Ese’ese was named to the 21-man squad last week but missed out on gameday due to tonsilitis and the prop forward is in once again.
Andy Last makes just two changes as Davy Litten (ankle) and Ben Johnson drop out in place of Arthur Romano and Will Hutchinson.
Romano makes his long-awaited return after picking up an injury in the derby on Good Friday.
Hull FC 21-man squad: Harvey Barron, Zak Hardaker, Lewis Martin, Jake Arthur, Aidan Sezer, Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Harvie Hill, Joe Batchelor, Cade Cust, James Bell, Tom Briscoe, Yusuf Aydin, Arthur Romano, Logan Moy, Hugo Salabio, Will Hutchinson, Lloyd Kemp, Lennon Clark, Ethan O’Neill, Max Wood
Interim Head Coach Andy Last has named his 21-man squad ahead of Thursday’s Betfred Super League R22 fixture against St Helens at the BrewDog Stadium 📋
Read 👉 https://t.co/7uATDNiM35
⚫️⚪️ #COYH | https://t.co/cxzK1xEDLH pic.twitter.com/cTiKadduQ6
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) August 4, 2026
