St Helens are currently doing it tough on the injury front, with a fair chunk of their salary cap sat on the sidelines.
Jack Welsby and Matty Lees are just two pivotal players that are currently out through injury, with neither set to return any time soon.
The likes of Alex Walmsley and Jacob Host are also undergoing treatment, with the latter recently having surgery on a broken leg that will keep him out for four months.
Jonny Lomax, George Delaney, Nene MacDonald and Joe Shorrocks also miss out this week, meaning the Red Vee’s side is much weaker than usual, something that could prove pivotal as they take on Castleford Tigers in Challenge Cup action.
Saints have named their 21-man squad for this afternoon’s game, but there are still some selection questions that need answering by boss Paul Rowley.
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How St Helens could line-up against Castleford Tigers
Spine alteration?
The first dilemma facing Saints is who lines up in the spine. Keeping those playmakers in the same positions brings consistency, something the side are yet to have in 2026, and in actual fact, something they failed to have last year, too.
Rowley is expected to field the same 1, 6, 7 and 9 as he did last week in the victory over Bradford Bulls, meaning that George Whitby will get another chance in the starting line-up.
MacDonald replacement:
MacDonald only lasted around 25 minutes last weekend before being replaced by Harry Robertson, who started on the bench. However, he is expected to continue in that ‘super sub’ role this week with the returning Mark Percival replacing the PNG international in the starting 13.
Another option would be for Robertson to place in the three-quarters alongside Percival, meaning that one of Deon Cross or Lewis Murphy drops out of the side.
Pack problems:
The forward pack is somewhat of a concern, with very few senior players being available, particularly in the front row.
Agnatius Paasi is named in the squad for the first time this season, whilst Noah Stephens could earn only his second ever St Helens start.
Youngsters Alfie Sinclair and Jake Davies are included, as is Chris Matagi, son of former Super League prop, Suaia, as Saints look to potentially give opportunities to some of their emerging talents.
St Helens predicted line-up: Tristan Sailor, Kyle Feldt, Mark Percival, Deon Cross, Lewis Murphy, Jackson Hastings, George Whitby, David Klemmer, Daryl Clark, Noah Stephens, Curtis Sironen, Shane Wright, Jake Wingfield
Bench: Harry Robertson, Matt Whitley, Agnatius Paasi, Alfie Sinclair
