St Helens take on Leeds Rhinos in the final game of day one at Super League Magic Weekend and we’ve predicted how each side could line up with the big question revolving around Saints’ spine.
Paul Wellens has played around with his spine so far this season with NRL signing Tristan Sailor initially declared in the halves with the club confirming him as their new number six before announcing any of their other squad numbers.
Despite that, he has shifted to full-back in recent weeks with Jack Welsby moving into the halves and playing alongside teenager George Whitby. That’s because Wellens made the call to drop captain Jonny Lomax who has found himself on the sidelines in recent weeks.
Initially out of the team due to an ankle injury, Lomax was then left out against Wigan and Warrington with 18-year-old Whitby going well in his stead.
Leeds have had spine issues as well with Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers suffering long-term injuries and overseas star Matt Frawley failing to make the desired impact, meaning Jake Connor has had to step in and be the main string-puller.
Both Brad Arthur and Paul Wellens face key selection calls this week and we’ve predicted how they’ll line their teams up for the curtain-closer on Saturday of Super League Magic Weekend.
How St Helens could line up against Leeds Rhinos
Jack Welsby is an absolute lock to play in the spine when fit but whether he’s at full-back or in the halves depends on Paul Wellens’ call regarding the trio of Lomax, Sailor and Whitby.
St Helens clearly lacked leadership last week so it makes sense for Lomax to be recalled and whilst form would possibly see Sailor dropped, the Red Vee have invested a lot in him so we’re predicting George Whitby could be a very unlucky lad this weekend.
Other decisions include whether or not new signing Deon Cross debuts and if that comes at centre of on the wing, with Saints’ centre issues prevalent in recent weeks. It’s likely that’s the role he occupies until Harry Robertson returns.
Moses Mbye could start ahead of Daryl Clark given how valued his kicking game is, especially in the absence of George Whitby, with George Delaney, Iggy Passi and Noah Stephens in line to fill out the interchange bench.
Predicted St Helens XIII: Tristan Sailor, Lewis Murphy, Deon Cross, Mark Percival, Jon Bennison, Jack Welsby, Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley, Moses Mbye, Matty Lees, Curtis Sironen, Matt Whitley, Morgan Knowles
Predicted interchanges: Daryl Clark, George Delaney, Agnatius Paasi, Noah Stephens
🪄 𝑺𝑸𝑼𝑨𝑫 𝑵𝑬𝑾𝑺
Paul Wellens has confirmed his 21-man St.Helens squad for this Saturday’s #MagicWKND clash against @leedsrhinos!
Full story 😇 https://t.co/6IlsZyXexa #COYS | St Helens Flooring
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) May 1, 2025
How Leeds Rhinos could line up against Saints
There likely won’t be much change for Brad Arthur but he will again be tasked with the decision around Matt Frawley in the halves. The Australian didn’t play last week and Leeds fared well for long periods against Hull KR with Jack Sinfield, however, they clearly miss Brodie Croft.
A Frawley start would allow for Sinfield to cover hooker Jarrod O’Connor, however, we’re backing Sinfield to start with Connor in the halves and Frawley to miss out once again.
Alfie Edgell in for Ryan Hall could be the only change with the veteran suffering an ankle injury against Hull KR and actually being a surprise name in the 21-man squad. Leeds making a loan move for Huddersfield’s Elliot Wallis possibly suggests Hall could be unavailable but was simply named to make up the numbers.
Whilst Leeds’ bench lacks a number 14, the boast four powerful forwards with Kallum Watkins also able to cover at centre as well which is a luxury St Helens probably wish they had.
Predicted Leeds Rhinos XIII: Lachie Miller, Alfie Edgell, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Riley Lumb, Jake Connor, Jack Sinfield, Mikolak Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Cooper Jenkins, Morgan Gannon, James McDonnell, Keenan Palasia
Predicted interchanges: Tom Holroyd, James Bentley, Sam Lisone, Kallum Watkins
Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brad Arthur has named an unchanged squad for Saturday’s Magic Weekend clash with St Helens at St James Park, kick off 7.30pm.
More here https://t.co/cMbJ6HJQUS pic.twitter.com/Vy05KebECp— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) May 1, 2025
