Read all about our five new potential debutants who have all been named in the starting 17 for today's clash with Salford Red Devils at Emerald Headingley Stadium (5.30pm kick off).
It’s been just three days between Saints win over Leeds Rhinos and today’s clash against Salford. And with the busy schedule of Betfred Super League fixtures now upon us, a number of young Saints have been named in the matchday 17 today. Here is how we will line up:
12 of the 17 named today came through our Academy system with the likes of Jack Welsby and Aaron Smith having already made names for themselves over the last few years whilst this season, Lewis Dodd and Josh Simm have also been given their chance to shine under Head Coach Kristian Woolf.
And with a number of other youngsters named in the squad today, including hooker Josh Eaves and FIVE potential debutants, we give you the low-down on who is who.
28. NICO RIZZELLI
Age: 20
Appearances: 0
Rizzelli is a centre signed from Rochdale Mayfield who has made the first team squad despite playing only one season at U19 level. He is a powerful runner with a great future and impressed in the Reserves earlier this season, making five appearances. Nico has been named on the wing today and will make his first team debut for the Club.
29. MATTHEW FOSTER
Age: 19
Appearances: 0
A second-row forward signed from Blackbrook, Foster has progressed through the scholarship programme and has represented England at U16s level alongside Jack Welsby and Josh Simm, as well as the Lancashire Academy. Foster was given a first team squad number for 2020 after impressing in the U19s last season, scoring 21 tries in just 24 games. Foster has been named on the bench and will hope to make his debut today.
30. TOM NISBET
Age: 21
Appearances: 0
Tom is a full-back/winger signed from Newton Storm who has progressed through the scholarship programme and played three seasons at U19 level. He has also represented Lancashire and England Academies. He has played four times and scored two tries in the Reserves earlier this year and will look to get his chance in the first team this year. Tom is another who will make his debut for the Club today.
31. JAKE WINGFIELD
Age: 19
Appearances: 0
Wingfield is a powerful loose-forward, who has also played at hooker and at half back. Signed from Blackbrook, he is another who has progressed through the Club’s scholarship programme and into the first team, having also represented Lancashire at Academy level. He was included in the 21 man first team squad earlier this season, but did not make the matchday squad. He has been named in the 17 today though and could make his debut!
33. BEN DAVIES
Age: 20
Appearances: 0
Ben is a centre or second rower from Widnes. He played his community Rugby for Halton Farnworth Hornets before switching to Widnes Moorfield. From there he signed a scholarship deal at Widnes Vikings, playing in their Academy and making his first team debut in 2019. Ben represented Lancashire in the Academy origin programme and was part of the England Under 18’s Academy squad. He has so far played four times for the Reserves in 2020. Ben will start at centre for the Saints today and make his first team debut!
