WATCH: Holbrook on the Bad Friday Derby and Roby fitness

Justin Holbrook is relishing Friday's BAD Friday derby with Wigan Warriors stating he wants to win in order to 'put smiles on Saints' fans faces' whilst he also revealed James Roby has a chance to return from injury in front of what is set to be a sell-out crowd at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

The derby clash will see top of the league Saints, who arrive on the back of two impressive away wins over high flying Warrington and Hull FC face a re-surged Wigan side who have climbed up to third place in the Betfred Super League after five wins on the bounce.

And despite Saints beating the Warriors twice already this season, Holbrook told saintsrlfc.com at a joint press conference with our noisy neighbours, he is well aware of the threat Wigan will pose on Friday.

“Wigan are playing really well of late, playing the way we expected them to be honest. Everyone thinks they have sneaked up to fourth, but the playing group and coaching staff know how dangerous a side they are and they have come good now and we have to play good on Friday to win.”

Holbrook also revealed Joseph Paulo will miss the match through injury, but James Roby has a chance to return from groin surgery, whilst Aaron Smith is fit to return if included in Wednesday’s 19 man squad announcement.

“Everyone is good. Jo Paulo will only hopefully miss the one game with a calf strain, he continued.

“He [Roby] is on track. We just have to see how he gets on the next couple of training sessions. If he pulls up sore we are not going to risk him because we have been playing well without him, but we know how much of a better side we are with him in so if he gets through this week with no dramas he will play on Friday.

“Aaron is feeling good now which is great news so if Robes doesn’t make it Az will come in.”

Holbrook knows how much the win would mean to the town of St.Helens and has urged fans to get down to support his players on Friday night given the match won’t be televised.

“We want to win every game, but we know how much it means to everyone in the town and the responsibility goes with that. I like that, I think it adds to the excitement as us as coaches and also the players so to get the win and to put a smile on everyone’s face in the town is what drives us on and it is a great, exciting week. The people of St Helens all tell us how important it is to win against Wigan so it is a big game.

“If any of our fans haven’t got tickets and now know that it is not on TV, make sure you get down here because it is going to be a cracking game and one we are looking forward to.”

For the first time in 24 years and 94 consecutive games, the fixture can only be experienced live with a match ticket as it will not be televised!

Tickets for this MUST-SEE event start from just £10 for 16s and under and £23 for adults.

You can get your tickets online here by calling 01744 455052 or by visiting the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium – subject to availability, while stocks last.

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