St Helens host Hull KR today in a game of huge importance in each side’s season with the Robins able to cement top spot and Saints able to solidify their playoff position.
The two teams are coming off vastly different results with St Helens having lost 20-0 at Magic Weekend to Wigan Warriors, whereas Hull KR put in the performance of Magic Weekend to defeat Catalans 36-4.
That eight-try display by Hull KR confirmed that they’re worthy of their place on top of the Super League ladder but today they face a far tougher challenge, even if it is psychological.
Hull KR have not beaten St Helens at Saints in ten meetings with their last win coming in 2013 meaning history is stacked against Willie Peters. However, form is most certainly in their favour with the Robins having won ten out of their last eleven.
The sole loss in that period was a golden-point defeat to Catalans, whereas Saints have won just two in seven amidst their current injury crisis.
The sides meet at 3:00 pm today and the team news is below.
St Helens Team News
Credit: Imago Images
The biggest boost for St Helens is the return of captain Jonny Lomax who is back after serving his three-game suspension, whilst forward Sione Mata’utia is also named in a squad for the first time since June.
Mata’utia had been out with a neck injury but his return is a welcome one, albeit at the expense of fellow forwards James Bell and Curtis Sironen, both who have copped injuries.
Sironen looks set to be sidelined for up to a month meaning he joins the likes of Daryl Clark, Lewis Dodd and Mark Percival, whilst Jack Welsby could return for the end of the season as well. Konrad Hurrell and Jake Wingfield also remain on the long-term absent list.
😇 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
Head Coach Paul Wellens has named his 21-man Saints squad for this Saturday’s @SuperLeague home match against @hullkrofficial
Full news ⬇
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) August 22, 2024
Hull KR Team News
Credit: Imago Images
One of the reasons for Hull KR’s incredible form has been good discipline and a fortunate injury record meaning that more often than not, Willie Peters has had his full squad to select from.
That changes this week with centre Oliver Gildart missing due to a failed HIA, something that the ex-Leigh man has had troubles with in 2024, but it means that either Tom Opacic or Jack Broadbent will play in his place.
Otherwise, the Robins are at full strength and will head to The Totally Wicked Stadium with plenty of confidence as they aim to land a first win in St Helens since 2013.
Our travelling squad to take on the Saints 👊#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/D0uFwxFaIJ
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) August 22, 2024
