St Helens will be desperate to pick up their first points of the Super League season on Friday night when they host Leigh Leopards.
Paul Rowley’s side underwhelmed in their Super League opener against Warrington Wolves last week, but they have the opportunity to set the record straight against Leigh, who will be travelling to Merseyside with plenty of confidence.
The Leopards saw off Leeds Rhinos in their round one clash and having won their last four against the Saints, it’s fair to say they’ve had the wood over them over the last couple of seasons. They’ll be keen to extend that run of dominance then and by doing so, they would continue their unbeaten start to the 2026 season.
Here’s how we think both sides could line-up.
Well, it’s clear that the St Helens boss will make at least one change this week after losing Jack Welsby to a dislocated shoulder. He has full-back options, with Harry Robertson and Nene Macdonald more than comfortable in the role, but Tristan Sailor is the most likely option to start at one, in a switch that would see him move from stand-off.
Sailor is a full-back by trade and his ability to step into the role is surely something that Rowley will lean on this week. That does leave a hole at stand-off, but with Jonny Lomax fit and available, that’s a quick fix.
That means Rowley can keep some continuity with his outside back selection. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if George Whitby was to be named on the bench, allowing Lomax to step into nine and spell Daryl Clark if necessary.
Alex Walmsley stepping into the XIII could bolster St Helens’ chances of enjoying the strong start they need, with George Delaney able to come off the bench and make an impact later in the game. Curtis Sironen is fit again, too, and it seems reasonable to expect him to claim a bench spot.
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Adrian Lam has a couple of small injuries to consider, but he’s named a squad that can be considered to be full strength, with the exception of long term absentee David Armstrong. If he’s fit, Umyla Hanley will start at the Brewdog Stadium in a change that could see Keanan Brand moved back out to the wing and Josh Charnley drop out of the fold.
Isaac Liu can expect to play if he’s fit, too, which could see Joe Ofahengaue moved to the front row and Robbie Mulhern switch to the bench.
Aaron Pene might be seen off the bench if he is given the green light to take on the Saints after overcoming an issue himself.
Predicted St Helens v Leigh Leopards line-ups
St Helens: Tristan Sailor; Kyle Feldt, Harry Robertson, Nene Macdonald, Deon Cross; Jonny Lomax, Jackson Hastings; David Klemmer, Daryl Clark, Alex Walmsley; Shane Wright, Matt Whitley, Joe Shorrocks
Bench: Jacob Host, George Delaney, George Whitby, Curtis Sironen.
Leigh Leopards: Bailey Hodgson; Keanan Brand, Umyla Hanley, Tesi Niu, Innes Senior; Adam Cook, Lachlan Lam; Joe Ofahengaue, Edwin Ipape, Owen Trout; Frankie Halton, Jacob Alick-Wiencke; Isaac Liu.
Bench: Robbie Mulhern, Aaron Pene, Liam Horne, Jack Hughes.
