St Helens chair sends message to fans as club aim to snap semi-final losing streak

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus has sent a message to the club’s fans ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan Warriors.

The Red Vee are just one game away from Wembley, a stadium that the men’s team have not played at since 2021, when they defeated Castleford Tigers in a game played in front of a limited crowd under pandemic restrictions.

St Helens Women have been regular visitors and victors at Wembley in recent years, winning there in 2023 and 2024 as they won their third and fourth finals on the bounce, before seeing their streak end last year at the hands of all-conquering Wigan.

Both the men and women’s teams could be playing at Wembley this year with Paul Rowley’s side taking on Wigan Warriors on Saturday before Derek Hardman and Craig Richards take their side to face Leeds Rhinos on Sunday.

Eamonn McManus has now called on fans to fill out their allocation at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday for what he’s predicted to be a ‘phenomenal occasion’.

St Helens chair sends rallying cry to fans

Despite not making it to Wembley since 2021, St Helens have lost two Challenge Cup semi-finals and two Super League semi-finals since then, and they’ll be in for a tough test against a Wigan side they mounted a memorable comeback against on Good Friday.

Sending out a rallying cry in a club statement, McManus said: “A trip to Wembley is just 80 minutes away. The stakes are as high as they get and against our biggest rivals. Let’s look to outnumber and outshout their supporters and really get behind the team. Your presence and support makes a huge impact and can make all the difference on the day.

“It will be a phenomenal occasion and atmosphere to be a part of.”

He admitted: “It’s been too long since we’ve been to Wembley with our First Team, and we couldn’t have a sterner challenge than Wigan. Your attendance and your noise can lift the team when needed. Let’s get there in numbers and let’s get firmly behind the lads.”

St Helens have been made underdogs for the game despite their stronger league position and their recent win, whilst Hull KR are favoured to win the other semi-final against Warrington Wolves.

📩 A message to Saints fans from the Chairman as we start Semi-Final week!

ℹ️ https://t.co/ImMYS2YR1a#COYS pic.twitter.com/1fyGVNEX9z

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) May 4, 2026