St Helens and Wigan Warriors have announced their lineups for tonight’s derby match, in what is set to be one of the biggest and most crucial meetings between the sides for a long time.
Saints are unbeaten in the derby on home turf since 2020, and will look to use that to their advantage tonight. A sold out Totally Wicked Stadium awaits, as the two look to earn a valuable win that would boost their hopes of a top two, or top four, finish.
Wigan were able to name squad numbers 1-13 in their initial squad, as Matt Peet has a near-fully fit squad to select from. He has had a selection headache for positive reasons, meanwhile Paul Wellens has been forced to shuffle his pack around due to injuries and suspensions.
Here are the confirmed lineups for tonight’s clash:
St Helens Team News:
The big news for the Saints this week was who will replace Morgan Knowles at loose forward. The England international failed a HIA in defeat to Hull KR, and will miss tonight’s game due to concussion protocols.
Paul Wellens has managed to solve two problems at once, with talk also surrounding how to fit both Tristan Sailor and Jack Welsby into the side. The Saints boss has decided to select Welsby in the 13 position, as he is set to play loose forward for the first time in his career.
Kyle Feldt returns after missing last week’s defeat to Hull KR due to concussion. Deon Cross keeps his place on the opposite flank.
St Helens XVII to face Wigan Warriors:Â 6. Tristan Sailor, 2. Kyle Feldt, 26. Harry Robertson, 4. Mark Percival, 36. Deon Cross, 7. Jonny Lomax, 14. Moses Mbye, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees, 12. Joe Batchelor, 16. Matt Whitley, 1. Jack Welsby.
Bench: 11. Curtis Sironen, 15. James Bell, 17. Agnatius Paasi, 23. Jake Burns
Wigan Warriors Team News:
Luke Thompson returns after missing the last seven due to a calf injury. The England international last played in defeat to Leigh Leopards, and has been a big miss in the Warriors front line.
Matt Peet has been provided a further boost, with Ethan Havard being back available after suspension. The Bulgarian-born prop joins Thompson on the bench, with Harvie Hill and Liam Byrne keeping their place in the starting side.
Adam Keighran picked up a knock prior to the win over Catalans Dragons last week, meaning Liam Farrell had to fill in at centre. The goal-kicking Australian is ready to return, and retakes his place in the starting lineup.
Junior Nsemba drops to the bench, with Farrell returning to his usual position and Sam Walters given the opportunity to start.
Zach Eckersley is rewarded for his fine form, after being chosen ahead of Abbas Miski. The youngster scored two tries in the win in Perpignan, taking his tally to 14 for the season.
Wigan Warriors XVII to face St Helens:Â 1. Jai Field, 22. Zach Eckersely, 3. Adam Keighran, 4. Jake Wardle, 5. Liam Marshall, 6. Bevan French, 7. Harry Smith, 20. Harvie Hill, 9. Brad O’Neill, 16. Liam Byrne, 21. Sam Walters, 12. Liam Farrell, 13. Kaide Ellis
Bench: 8. Ethan Havard, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Junior Nsemba, 17. Kruise Leeming
