Josh Thewlis ruled out for Warrington Wolves ahead of St Helens showdown

Warrington Wolves travel to the Totally Wicked Stadium on Saturday to face defending champions St Helens, as both teams eye up a spot in the semi-finals, whilst Warrington know a game against Wigan Warriors awaits if they can end Saints’ 1447 day reign as Super League Champions.

Both teams come into this off the backs of contrasting regular season form. Warrington started fantastically, winning their first eight games of the season, but since then it has been turmoil. A run of eight consecutive loses saw the end of Daryl Powell’s reign, and in came Gary Chambers. Since his appointment, Chambers has helped steady the ship and guided them through to the play-offs.

The Wire had to do it the hard way though, only securing their place in the top six last week with their victory over Huddersfield Giants.

On the other hand St Helens started the season slowly, but once they got the World Club Challenge out of their system they have been one of the form sides in the league and narrowly missed out on the League Leaders Shield on points difference.

The rivals have met on three occasions already this season, with the defending Champions coming away with the spoils on all three occasions; however they have been tight affairs, but who will march onto the semi-finals next weekend?

To answer that question the team news is of course vital. The Wolves have a surprise omission in their squad with no Josh Thewlis, the young winger who has been nominated for the Young Player of the Year being absent.

Thewlis returned for the Wolves last week to replace the ill Matty Ashton but this week Thewlis is out and Ashton is back.

Matty Russell will likely start on the other wing and fortunately playmaker George Williams is still fit to feature.

Paul Wellens makes just one change to the squad that secured a victory over Hull FC last Friday night, with George Delaney picking up a one-match penalty notice following the fixture. In comes Dan Norman, who if selected will be making his final Saints home appearance following confirmation he would be one of our departing Saints from the Club once the season ends.

Like Dan, should Will Hopoate be chosen to feature in the game, it will also be his final appearance in the famous Red V strip at the Totally Wicked Stadium.