Why should I watch?

On paper, at least, it is hard to call this anything other than a dead rubber.

With Saints having already wrapped up the League Leaders’ Shield, it is likely these two sides will meet in the Super League semi-finals in two weeks’ time.

By the time tomorrow’s game kicks off, that may even be confirmed. For that to happen, Castleford must avoid defeat to Wakefield tonight.

Still, as Joe Philbin said during the week, no extra motivation is needed for a Warrington-St Helens clash in whatever context.

Besides, tomorrow represents a chance to lay down a psychological marker ahead of the semi-final.

St Helens ran out 30-12 winners when they met The Wire at The <a href=

The last time Wolves hosted St Helens, they fell to a 30-12 defeat back in March. Picture by Mike Boden

What they’ve said:

“We know what they’re going to throw at us. It’s just a case of trying to stop it.

“We just want to use the game to keep growing the belief and confidence in the group.

“That’s all we’re driven by at the moment. We cannot look too much at the big picture.”

Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach

 

“It is a great achievement to be recognised as the most consistent team over 30 rounds.

“It is a nice trophy to win along the way to the end, but the main focus is the end of the year.

“I don’t see how us carrying on and celebrating it in an over the top manner could help us win at Old Trafford in four weeks’ time.”

Justin Holbrook, St Helens head coach

 

Justin Holbrook. Picture by Bernard Platt

Numbers game:

Saturday will see Stefan Ratchford make his 250th career Super League appearance.

He has played 179 league games for The Wire since joining in 2012 from Salford, for whom he made 70 Super League appearances.

 

Stefan Ratchford is on the verge of his 250th Super League appearance. Picture by Mike Boden

Warrington team news:

Jack Hughes will miss the game, thus bringing his record of 83 consecutive Wire appearances in all competitions – the longest current streak in Super League – to an end.

Daryl Clark is also not included in Steve Price’s 19-man squad, while Tom Lineham will serve the first of a potential three-match suspension for his swinging-arm tackle on Dom Manfredi during last week’s 26-6 defeat to Wigan.

However, Price has brought several big guns back into his side.

Chris Hill, Kevin Brown and Tyrone Roberts – all rested last week – return, Mike Cooper is back from suspension and Ben Murdoch-Masila has recovered from the ankle injury that has kept him out of the past two games.

Dec Patton is set to start at hooker and Harvey Livett is likely to return to the second row, allowing Brown and Roberts to return in the halves.

Bryson Goodwin appears favourite to replace Lineham on the left wing, with Toby King moving from the second row to left centre.

Squad: Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Josh Charnley, Mike Cooper, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Luis Johnson, George King, Toby King, Harvey Livett, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Ben Pomeroy, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Morgan Smith, Bodene Thompson, Ben Westwood.

 

Jack Hughes' run of 83 consecutive Wire appearances will end tomorrow. Picture by Mike Boden

St Helens team news:

Saints are without captain James Roby, but head coach Justin Holbrook is able to welcome back three key players for Saturday’s game.

Ryan Morgan, Dom Peyroux and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook are all in contention to return. They replace Matty Costello, Aaron Smith and Jake Welsby in the squad.

Squad: Jonny Lomax, Tommy Makinson, Ryan Morgan, Mark Percival, Theo Fages, Kyle Amor, Zeb Taia, Jon Wilkin, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Luke Douglas, Morgan Knowles, Luke Thompson, Dom Peyroux, Danny Richardson, Regan Grace, Matty Lees, Jack Ashworth, Ben Barba, James Bentley.

Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook in action for Saints. Pic: Bernard PlattLouie McCarthy-Scarsbrook in action for Saints. Pic: Bernard Platt

Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook is back in contention for Saints. Picture by Bernard Platt

One to watch:

Tommy Makinson

While all eyes inevitably turn to Ben Barba in the St Helens side, Makinson is an equally key part of Saints’ success.

He along with Barba and Regan Grace are a massive factor in getting Saints up the field with their dynamic yardage carries, while the winger has also shown he is an adept finisher at the other end.

He looks set for a place in the Super League Dream Team to cap a season which saw him score a try on his England debut against New Zealand in Denver.

Tommy MakinsonTommy Makinson

Tommy Makinson. Picture by Bernard Platt

Match odds (via Betfred):

Warrington 5/6

St Helens EVENS

Draw 22/1

Essential info:

When: Saturday, September 22, 2018

Kick off: 3.15pm

Where: The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, Warrington WA2 7NE

 

Match officials:

Referee: Chris Kendall

Touch judges: A Martin, R Thompson

Video referee: Phil Bentham

Matchday ticket prices:

North Stand: £32.50 adults, £23 concessions and young adults (aged 16-23), £14 juniors, infants (aged 5 and under) free, £90 family ticket (2 adults, 2 juniors)

East Stand: £27 adults, £19 concessions and young adults, £13 juniors, infants free, £77 family ticket

South Stand: £23 adults, £17 concessions and young adults, £12 juniors, infants free

West Stand (visiting supporters): £23 adults, £17 concessions and young adults, £12 juniors, infants free

How can I follow the game?

The Warrington Guardian will, as always, be providing extensive coverage of tomorrow’s game.

‘Matchday Live’ will be up and running at around 1.30pm. Sports reporter Matt Turner will be in position at The Halliwell Jones Stadium to bring you all the build-up, match action as it happens and post-match reaction.

Keep an eye on the ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ Facebook page for Matt’s pre-match thoughts and ‘On The Hooter’ match summary via Facebook Live.

After the final hooter, we will bring you all the reaction from the Wolves camp, plus a photo gallery and the chance to choose your man of the match in our poll.

You will be able to join in the discussion with us before, during and after the game via our social media channels, ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ on Facebook and @WG_Sport on Twitter.