St Helens have been struggling with injuries in their pack of late with but they’ve received a major boost ahead of Thursday night.
The reigning champions are set to face the current leaders, Warrington Wolves, and with both sides coming off a loss and the international break upcoming the game is of huge importance.
Saints haven’t just lost their last game, like Warrington, but they’ve lost their last two falling to Hull KR and to Wigan.
That’s seen them slip to eighth, albeit it with a game in hand, but a win could propel them as high as fifth.
Paul Wellens has made only one change to his squad that lost to Hull KR and that’s an enforced one with Jake Wingfield having failed a HIA and therefore unable to play.
The positive news though is that they’re able to replace him with the returning Joe Batchelor who will play in Super League for the first time in 2023.
The England international picked up an ankle injury during St Helens’ involvement in the NRL’s pre-season challenge and has therefore been out since February,
He’s a huge boost to a pack that has seen Alex Walmsley, Ignatius Paasi, Curtis Sironen and others all suffer injuries.
Mark Percival could be set to appear in the second-row for the second game in a row as well but the matchday squad will likely remain very similar to the one that lost at KR.
⚪️ 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🔴
Paul Wellens has named his 21-man Saints squad for this Thursday's derby clash against @WarringtonRLFC! #COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) April 18, 2023
