Super League

St Helens forced into controversial change ahead of Warrington Wolves clash

by
Cam Pattison
September 28, 2023

The likes of Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons are all battling to dethrone St Helens but it is the Wolves who will have first crack at stopping the four time reigning Champions who have held the trophy for 1447 days.

Saturday afternoon will mark not only the Red V’s final home fixture of the 2023 season, but it will also be the final time that modern-day legends James Roby & Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook will grace our home turf, as both will bring the curtain down on their careers come the end of the campaign.

To the victor go the spoils, it’s do-or-die rugby as one team’s season will come to an end whilst the other will go into the Semi-Finals and be 80 minutes away from Old Trafford.

St Helens by virtue of finishing third, by points difference alone separating the top three teams in the league table, have earned the home advantage in the first round of the Play-Offs. Wellens’ charges are currently on a nine-match winning run, and if the Saints can make it ten on the spin they will go to France for the Semi-Final against Catalans Dragons on Friday, 6^th October.

After what was a dream start to the year, Warrington had to scratch and claw their way into the post-season, finishing sixth and visit the Totally Wicked Stadium looking to register their first win over Saints in 2023. Should the Wolves win, they will take on Wigan Warriors away on Saturday, 7^th October.

Head Coach Paul Wellens makes just one change to the squad that secured a victory over Hull FC last Friday night, with George Delaney picking up a one-match penalty notice following the fixture. In comes Dan Norman, who if selected will be making his final Saints home appearance following confirmation he would be one of our departing Saints from the Club once the season ends.

Despite the fact Saints are in the Reserve Grand Final with Wigan who are using that game to serve bans in and avoid missing next week’s semi-final, St Helens are unable to do so as well.

Like Dan, should Will Hopoate be chosen to feature in the game, it will also be his final appearance in the famous Red V strip at the Totally Wicked Stadium.