Shocking Alex Walmsley decision made

As Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Catalans Dragons battle it out for the League Leaders’ Shield they will all play huge games this weekend.

Wigan take on Leigh Leopards, St Helens battle Hull FC and Catalans take on Salford Red Devils.

Leigh and Salford both have something to play for but Hull FC do not. This is just the next step towards Old Trafford however.

The team news is in and there is a massive shock as one of the best in Super League is back.

All six Round 27 matches in the competition will be kicking off at the same time, 8pm on Friday night, as the conclusion of this part of the season comes to a dramatic close.

Wellens has made four changes to the side that secured an eighth straight victory in the league last week beating Warrington Wolves 6-18. Lewis Baxter, Tee Ritson, Matthew Foster, and Wesley Bruines step out of the selection. In come Will Hopoate, Alex Walmsley, Konrad Hurrell, and George Delaney, all of whom could mark returns from injuries if selected to play.

Walmsley’s season was believed to be over when he suffered an injury in the Challenge Cup semi-final against Leigh Leopards after a controversial John Asiata tackle.

He could cement St Helens as favourites for Grand Final glory yet again.

Friday’s match will be the fourth encounter between the Red V and the Black & Whites this year, with the Saints getting the spoils in the first two; back in March beating Tony Smith’s side 20-12, and then in June in the Challenge Cup quarter-final 18-32. Smith’s men got a slice of revenge though five days following the Cup match, winning 34-6.

Both clubs continue to honour the legacy of the late great Steve Prescott MBE, with Friday night’s match as the third leg of the Steve Prescott Cup 2023.

The annual contest between the Saints and the Black & Whites is played over the regular season meetings between the two sides, with the team who has the highest aggregate score across the home and away league fixtures winning the trophy. Heading into this match the score is 26-46 in favour of the Black & Whites.