Title challengers doing it tough as star man makes shock positional change

Super League Champions St Helens and therefore one of the main title contenders in 2023 have had to call upon young players ahead of a big game against Hull KR tonight.

The Robins devastated Hull FC last week whilst St Helens came up short against Wigan Warriors in their own derby.

This sets up tonight’s game perfectly and is a test of where Hull KR truly are in respect to the Champions.

The game kicks off at 20:00.

There is no live TV coverage but BBC will show highlights on the Super League Show.

Hull KR are without Jessue Sue and James Batchelor after bans from the Hull derby.

Corey Hall could make his debut after making the move from Wakefield Trinity.

With Sam Wood injured, Shaun Kenny-Dowall surprisingly moves onto the wing with Corey Hall debuting at centre.

As for St Helens, Sione Mata’utia misses out due to head injury protocols after attempting to make a tackle against the Warriors saw him need to be stretchered off the field. Wellens confirmed in his weekly press conference that the Club will be taking a cautious approach with Sione going forward.

Morgan Knowles was referred to an independent tribunal on Tuesday night that issued a five-match suspension meaning he is unavailable for selection, as are Curtis Sironen and Agnatius Paasi who miss out due to injury.

With the Saints doing it tough for injuries, star man Mark Percival has moved into the pack as a second row. Meanwhile, Tee Ritson is named on the bench underlining the Saints struggles for middles with only two on the bench including youngster George Delaney.