Tigers Vs Saints: St Helens Make Four Changes To 21-Man Squad For Challenge Cup Tie
Tigers Vs Saints kicks off tonight at the Jungle (6: 00 pm ET), with St Helens forced into four changes to their 21-man squad for the Challenge Cup tie as injuries and a suspension test their depth.
Tigers Vs Saints: Squad Changes, Injuries And Suspension
St Helens have lost several players to injury and suspension ahead of the tie. George Delaney, Jacob Host and Nene Macdonald are out with injury, and Joe Shorrocks is unavailable through suspension. Additional absences include Matty Lees (MCL), Alex Walmsley (foot) and George Delaney listed with an HIA.
Those absences have prompted fresh faces in the 21-man group. Props Agnatius Paasi and Alfie Sinclair have been drafted into the 21 for the first time this year, joined by hooker Jake Burns. Saints Academy back rower Chris Matagi has been included in the senior squad for the first time after strong performances at Under-18 and Reserves level.
How Saints Could Line Up Tonight
Paul Rowley faces a tricky selection from the 17 he will pick for the knockout tie. Rowley’s assistant Eamon O’Carroll took the weekly press call and hinted at a cautious approach on certain selections while praising returning personnel.
On Mark Percival’s inclusion in the 21, O’Carroll said, “With a player of the quality of Percy, it is not just about what he does on the field but what he does off it; having him back in training this week has been a big boost. But it is important that he plays at the right time and a Mark Percival at his best. But he is looking really good and he is going to be a great addition if he does play this week. ” With Macdonald ruled out, Saints may take a cautious approach to Percival, which could see Harry Robertson start at centre rather than coming off the bench.
A possible Saints backline suggested from the group is: Sailor; Feldt, Robertson, Cross, Murphy; Whitby, Hastings. Rowley has a preference for carrying a back among the replacements, and Owen Dagnall could be elevated from 18th man to the bench.
Pack choices are constrained by the number of middle forwards unavailable. Saints could opt to start with their strongest available props in David Klemmer and Noah Stephens. Agnatius Paasi has not featured much this year beyond a Testimonial and Reserve appearances, while Alfie Sinclair may be given an opportunity. Jake Wingfield is likely to fill the loose-forward role vacated by the suspended Shorrocks, with the coaching staff considering whether to adjust Wingfield’s role to allow Matt Whitley to move into the back row.
Tickets And Club Details
Tickets for the match remain available. Castleford Tigers is the trading name of Castleford Rugby League Football Club Ltd, registered in England and Wales with company number 00214373. The club’s Wheldon Road address and VAT registration details are on record.
With selection options limited by injuries and suspension, the choices Paul Rowley makes from his 17 will be decisive for tonight’s knockout game. The final team pick will be confirmed ahead of the 6: 00 pm ET kick-off at the Jungle.
