Warrington v St Helens: Predicted line-ups and late injury news

In one of the biggest games of the season, Warrington host St Helens. The Wolves have already beaten the reigning Champions once this season and another win would cement them as genuine title contenders. Meanwhile the Saints, are looking to stay in touch with Catalans at the top of the league.

It’s that time of the season when coaches need to settle on their strongest team as the campaign draws to a close. It appears that Steve Price is beginning to do so, leaving both Josh Charnley and Blake Austin out of the squad. Charnley’s absence points to Josh Thewlis remaining on the flank and Matty Ashton staying on the bench. However, Price could look to introduce more size onto his bench meaning he may have to make a tough call where the two youngsters are concerned. I also believe Matt Davis could be promoted to the starting 13 so Joe Philbin can provide more explosivity from the interchanges. Jason Clark could also make his return to offer more leadership in this big game.

As for the Saints, the big question is who’ll start in the halves for the reigning Champions now that both Jonny Lomax and Theo Fages are on the side lines. Lewis Dodd will likely remain there having impressed in recent weeks but who’ll join him? The safe bet is Jack Welsby. He has the skills of a halfback and could very well add to St Helens’ attacking options. However, Kristian Woolf may want some more experience in the halves and could even move James Roby to six relying on Aaron Smith at nine. A welcome boost for the Champions is the return of Tommy Makinson, Mark Percival and James Bentley.

Warrington
1 Stefan Ratchford
23 Josh Thewlis
18 Jake Mamo
4 Toby King
2 Tom Lineham
31 George Williams
7 Gareth Widdop
8 Chris Hill
9 Daryl Clark
10 Mike Cooper
11 Ben Currie
12 Jack Hughes
15 Matt Davis
Substitutes
13 Joe Philbin
14 Jason Clark
17 Matty Ashton
20 Sitaleki Akauola

St Helens
1 Lachlan Coote
2 Tommy Makinson
3 Kevin Naiqama
4 Mark Percival
5 Regan Grace
18 Jack Welsby
21 Lewis Dodd
8 Alex Walmsley
9 James Roby
10 Matty Lees
11 Joel Thompson
12 James Bentley
13 Morgan Knowles
Substitutes
14 Sione Mata’utia
15 Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook
17 Agnatius Paasi
20 Joe Batchelor