Saints face Catalans Dragons at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Thursday evening with kick off at 8pm as we look to kick off our 2022 Super League campaign with a win!
BACKGROUND…
The Super League’s fixture planners have tantalised us now for over two months with this most mouth-watering opening to the 2022 campaign; with a visit from the Catalans Dragons; who were of course, Saints’ opponents in last season’s Super League Grand Final. It’s a ‘mouth-watering’ encounter that should ensure the best possible start to the new season.
The Catalans arrive here tonight absolutely full of confidence. They had an outstanding 2021 campaign, in which they were crowned Super League Minor Premiers, by winning the League Leaders Shield, and then ended the year as Super League Grand Finalists for the very first time. Steve McNamara has instilled stability and a new found confidence into his squad and they play great rugby.
During the off season there have only been minimal changes in the Catalans squad. The headline departure was that of James Maloney. The half back was phenomenal in his two seasons at with Perpignan based club and he has left big boots to fill as he has joined Lézignan. The Dragons also have lost Jason Baitieri and Lambert Belmas to Lézignan, whilst Joel Tomkins has retired. Replacing James Maloney is Mitchell Pearce from the Newcastle Knights. He is an outstanding half back and is regarded, back in Australia, as one of the very best. Pearce’s signing shows just how serious the Catalans are about going one better this term and, their other new recruits, Dylan Napa from the Canterbury Bulldogs and Tyrone May, from the Penrith Panthers confirm this; as they too leave behind very impressive NRL careers.
All the early season pointers suggest that tonight’s match is going to be a titanic struggle. St. Helens begin the 2022 campaign aiming to be the first ever team to win four successive Super League Championships and, after coming so close to winning the Super League Trophy for the very first time in 2021, the Catalans will be looking to succeed them. There have been half a dozen changes in the Saints squad and how the team gels will have a huge bearing on tonight’s result, but there’s one thing certain is that the Totally Wicked Stadium will be no place for the faint hearted, this evening.
LAST TEN MEETINGS:
Catalans Dragons 10, St Helens 12 (SLGF, 9/10/21)
Catalans Dragons 31, St Helens 30 (aet) (SLR23, 4/9/21)
St Helens 34, Catalans Dragons 12 (SLR18, 7/8/21)
Catalans Dragons 20, St Helens 16 (SLR7, 22/5/21)
St Helens 48, Catalans Dragons 2 (SLSF, 20/11/20)
St Helens 34, Catalans Dragons 6 (SLR4, 2/8/20)
St Helens 50, Catalans Dragons 14 (SLR13, 28/4/19)
Catalans Dragons 18, St Helens 10 (SLR9, 6/4/19)
Catalans Dragons 22, St Helens 26 (SLS8-R4, 8/9/18)
Catalans Dragons 35, St Helens 16 (CCSF, 5/8/18)
MILESTONES
MORGAN KNOWLES needs one appearance to reach 150 for St Helens.
SQUADS
COACHES PREVIEW
Head over to Saints TV to hear Kristian Woolf’s thoughts ahead of the game, whilst Captain James Roby says the boys are ready for the Dragons challenge in what will be his final season in the Red Vee.
MAN IN THE MIDDLE
Liam Moore will be the referee and James Child will be the video referee.
KIT?
Saints are the home team and so will play in our traditional red and white kit with our new front of shirt sponsor, Home Bargains!
LIGHT SHOW
We have a huge pre-match lightshow in the run-up to kick-off!
Get in your seat early, the action starts at 7:00pm as we dim the floodlights before heading into our live entertainment… (more on that below.)
After that, we will then plunge the Totally Wicked Stadium into darkness before delivering a dazzling light show to build the atmosphere into a crescendo before kick-off…
LIVE MUSIC
We have incredible live music from renowned Blues Guitarist Laurence Jones who will be performing with his band from around 7:20pm on the brand-new entertainment platform located in the heart of the West Stand.
Laurence has developed a virtuoso pedigree as the UK’s hottest young blues guitar-slinger. With coruscating riffs, soloing and catchy songs, his cross over sound has won him several major awards and accolades & supported the likes of Sir Van Morrison, Sir Ringo Starr, Status Quo, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck.
You can find out more about Laurence and his band here.
FLAMES & PYROS
We will kick off the match with a bang with the first ever usage of pre-match pyrotechnics at the Totally Wicked Stadium, as well as flames units to add to what will be a huge pre-match atmosphere as we build-up to player entry and kick-off at 8pm.
FREE DRINK VOUCHER
All 2022 Fully Ticketed Members will be able to claim a free drink voucher at the Saints vs Catalans Dragons season opener, Thursday 10th February (KO 8pm)
All the info you need is here.
Our A Star Saints Angels Cheerleaders will also be making their long awaited return to the Totally Wicked Stadium preforming pre-match and at half-time.
CAN I BUY FOOD AND DRINK?
Following a transition period last season, our Food & Beverage Kiosks and Hospitality Lounges are now FULLY cashless, we no longer accept cash as a form of payment.
We offer a range of food and drink options including our RedV Smooth Bitter and Carling on draught. Plus we now have Stowford Press Original and Berry Cider on all kiosks!
We also have two Kiosk deals exclusively for 2022 members. Hot food and hot drink combo priced at £4 and a pie and a pint/bottle combo for £6. Show your Membership card at the Kiosk to ensure you grab the deal!
CAN I STILL BUY TICKETS FOR THE MATCH?
Tickets are still available online here until 12 noon Friday.
Cash turnstiles are available on the West Stand (standing terrace) only, for any seated tickets, these are only available via the Ticket Office.
The Ticket Collection Point located next door to the Ticket Office is the place to collect your pre-ordered ticket.
HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?
Tickets start from just £23 for adults and just £10 for Juniors (aged 16 and under) a full list of prices for various areas of the stadium can be found here.
WHAT TIME DO THE TURNSTILES OPEN?
Gates open at 6pm with kick-off at 8pm. The RedV Cafe Bar at the stadium is open from 5pm.
SAINTS SUPERSTORE
The Saints Superstore at the Totally Wicked Stadium will be open from 9am up to kick-off. Both the 2022 Home and Away shirts are available to order in-store and online now at: saintssuperstore.com
All 2022 Members can get 10% off either or both of the 2022 replica shirts (t&cs apply, subject to availability). This discount is accessible by showing your 2022 Membership Card in the Saints Superstore.
MATCHDAY PARKING
Click here to read where you can park on matchdays.
The council has made Tontine multi-storey car park on Exchange Street, St Helens available for matchday parking.
Parking will be free for @Saints1890’s opening Super League fixture against Catalans Dragons tomorrow (Thurs 10 Feb).
1/3 pic.twitter.com/FxoWlaH85h
— St Helens Borough Council (@sthelenscouncil) February 9, 2022
I CAN’T ATTEND – WHERE CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME?
The game is televised on Sky Sports, but supporters can also follow the game on our official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts as well as on our Live Match Centre.
Reaction will follow the Full-Time whistle on our website and social media channels whilst the highlights and the full 80 minute replay will be on Saints TV for subscribers later in the week.
RIVALS WATCH
Friday
Castleford vs Salford – 8pm
Hull KR vs Wigan – 8pm – Sky Sports
Saturday
Leeds vs Warrington – 12.30pm – Channel 4
Toulouse vs Huddersfield – 8pm – Sky Sports
Sunday
Wakefield vs Hull FC – 3pm
