The Stats Zone
May 25 2017, 08:45 · Tom

St Helens vs Wigan Warriors Preview

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The Lowdown

ST HELENS

  • St. Helens provided the best possible response to their tame Challenge Cup exit by emphatically beating Hull FC 45-0 on Magic Weekend, with new head coach Justin Holbrook enjoying a perfect start to his tenure.
  • Holbrook was only supposed to be a spectator for the game at St. James' Park but took the reins with his players producing the goods for him. As a result, Holbrook has retained the same 19 players in his squad.
  • Saints' form has been streaky over the course of the season, winning just six of their 14 Super League games. However, their home form has been consistent and they've won 10 of their last 12 home games in Super League stretching back to last season.

Head Coach: Justin Holbrook

Squad: Tommy Makinson, Ryan Morgan, Mark Percival, Adam Swift, Theo Fages, Matty Smith, Alex Walmsley, James Roby, Kyle Amor, Jon Wilkin, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Luke Douglas, Luke Thompson, Tommy Lee, Dominique Peyroux, Greg Richards, Morgan Knowles, Regan Grace, Zeb Taia

Unavailable: Jonny Lomax (Injury)

WIGAN WARRIORS

  • Wigan claimed a last-gasp draw against Warrington at Magic Weekend, with Joe Burgess' try putting the Warriors level. George Williams could have won the game for his side but he couldn't convert the goal with the last kick of the game.
  • Wigan's huge injury list is showing signs of relenting somewhat with Shaun Wane able to recall two key figures in Thomas Leuluai and Sam Powell after they recovered from a broken jaw and an ankle knock respectively.
  • The Warriors head into the game having failed to win any of their last three Super League games as well as losing three of the last four times they have travelled to St. Helens for a league fixture.

Head Coach: Shaun Wane

Squad: Joe Burgess, Tom Davies, Liam Farrell, Callum Field, Liam Forsyth, Nick Gregson, Willie Isa, Thomas Leuluai, Liam Marshall, Michael Mcilorum, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sean O’Loughlin, Sam Powell, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Lewis Tierney, Joel Tomkins, Jack Wells, George Williams

Unavailable: Anthony Gelling (Knee), Ben Flower (Achilles), Morgan Escaré (Knee), Tony Clubb (Kidney), Oliver Gildart (Back), Sam Tomkins (Ankle), Dom Manfredi (Knee), John Bateman (Shoulder), Jake Shorrocks (Knee)


Analysis - what to expect
'There's a score to settle' - the slogan St Helens have used to market this game and it's something that will probably ring true in their dressing room. In their Good Friday encounter, Kyle Amor was harshly sent off early on and Wigan were able to claim the win despite a spirited effort by the 12-men. This is sure to be another fiery match-up but Saints will be looking to right the wrongs of the previous game and with their home form coupled with the much-improved performance over Hull, they should edge this one.