St Helens v Wigan: Squads Announced

St Helens and Wigan have both announced their 21-man squads for Friday night’s Super League derby at the Totally Wicked Stadium (KO 7:45pm).

The clash could be crucial in deciding who claims the League Leaders’ Shield, with both sides currently in first and second place.

Saints are just in front as things stand despite their loss to Salford on Monday, with one win more and an extra game than their Lancashire rivals.

The Warriors, however, will benefit from a longer turnaround since their last game, after having a full week to prepare.

St Helens

Seven senior first teamers return for Saints, including Jonny Lomax, Lachlan Coote and James Roby. The likes of Alex Walmsley (suspension), Jack Ashworth, Aaron Smith and Joe Batchelor are among those dropping out. Youngsters Josh Eaves and Jake Wingfield keep their places after impressing against Salford.

21-man squad: 1 Lachlan Coote, 2 Tom Makinson, 3 Kevin Naiqama, 5 Regan Grace, 6 Jonny Lomax, 7 Theo Fages, 9 James Roby, 11 Zeb Taia, 12 Dominique Peyroux, 13 Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 14 Morgan Knowles, 15 Matty Lees, 16 Kyle Amor, 18 Joseph Paulo, 20 James Bentley, 22 Jack Welsby, 24 Josh Eaves, 26 Josh Simm, 27 Lewis Dodd, 31 Jake Wingfield, 32 James Graham.

Wigan Warriors

The visitors make two changes, with forward Liam Byrne and centre Chris Hankinson recalled. They replace Dom Manfredi, who misses out with a knee problem, and Joe Shorrocks.

21-man squad: 1 Zak Hardaker, 3 Chris Hankinson, 4 Oliver Gildart, 5 Joe Burgess, 6 Bevan French, 7 Thomas Leuluai, 8 Tony Clubb, 9 Sam Powell, 10 George Burgess, 11 Willie Isa, 12 Liam Farrell, 14 Ben Flower, 15 Joe Greenwood, 16 Morgan Smithies, 17 Ollie Partington, 19 Joe Bullock, 20 Liam Byrne, 23 Jake Bibby, 28 Harry Smith, 31 Jackson Hastings, 38 Brad Singleton.