World Club Champions St Helens will begin their league campaign for 2023 away at Castleford Tigers on Sunday afternoon!
SAINTS START THE DRIVE FOR FIVE
Our St Helens side are riding on a huge high after their historic victory in Penrith to become the best team in the world, but Paul Wellens’ men are now ready to take on their league counterparts in Betfred Super League 2023 and it will start at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle against Castleford Tigers.
THE OPPOSITION
Lee Radford’s side began their campaign last week and fought hard in the second half to comeback against Hull FC, but ultimately lost 32-30. They will be hungry to register their first points of the year. It’s the second season under Radford, they had a balanced 2022 with 14 wins and 15 losses, falling just for of the play-offs after losing to Leeds in a shootout game.
The Fords have bolstered their squad with two major additions in the halves, with Gareth Widdop and Jacob Miller two of their new recruits who will be seeking to guide the team around. Big Albert Vete adds some power in their pack too.
WELLENS’ PREVIEW
With nearly 2,000 Saints heading over to Wheldon Road, Paul Wellens spoke with joy about our outstanding travelling support and the bond between the community and the Club ahead of the game against Castleford.
Head over to Saints TV to watch the full press conference.
SQUAD NEWS
Tommy Makinson is ruled out of the fixture due to head injury protocols, whilst Will Hopoate, James Roby and Agnatius Paasi are stood down following knocks picked up in the World Club Challenge game.
Tee Ritson is in line to make his official competitive debut for the Saints if selected, whilst the powerful youngster George Delaney is named in the initial 21-man squad after making impressing in the Reserves game against Swinton Lions last month, and the First Team friendly against Widnes.
It could be a fixture to remember for Alex Walmsley, who if he plays would be making his 250th appearance in the Red-V.
Castleford Tigers 21-man squad
1. Niall Evalds, 2. Greg Eden, 3. Jordan Turner, 4. Mahe Fonua, 5. Bureta Faraimo, 6. Gareth Widdop, 7. Jacob Miller, 8. George Lawler, 9. Paul McShane, 10. George Griffin, 11. Kenny Edwards, 12. Alex Mellor, 13. Joe Westerman, 14. Nathan Massey, 16. Adam Milner, 17. Jack Broadbent, 19. Albert Vete, 20. Muizz Mustapha, 21. Jake Mamo, 24. Cain Robb, 32. Liam Watts
St Helens 21-man squad
1. Jack Welsby, 4. Mark Percival, 5. Jon Bennison, 6. Jonny Lomax, 7. Lewis Dodd, 8. Alex Walmsley, 10. Matty Lees, 11. Sione Mata’utia, 13. Morgan Knowles, 14. Joey Lussick, 15. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 16. Curtis Sironen, 18. Jake Wingfield, 19. James Bell, 20. Dan Norman, 21. Ben Davies, 22. Sam Royle, 23. Konrad Hurrell, 24. Lewis Baxter, 25. Tee Ritson, 30. George Delaney.
WHAT KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
It is an away fixture, but St Helens will be wearing our popular 2023 Home Kit which features our 150 year crest and the traditional, old-school Red-V.
Pick yours up online by visiting saintssuperstore.com.
LAST TEN MEETINGS
St Helens 20, Castleford 12 (SLR22, 7/8/22)
Castleford 30, St Helens 10 (SLR10, 22/4/22)
St Helens 10, Castleford 20 (SLR19, 12/8/21)
Castleford 12, St Helens 26 (CCF, 17/7/21)
(at Wembley Stadium)
St Helens 10, Castleford 0 (SLR16, 16/8/20)
Castleford 28, St Helens 14 (SLR7, 15/3/20)
St Helens 4, Castleford 0 (SLR27, 30/8/19)
Castleford 16, St Helens 36 (SLR16, 26/5/19)
(at Anfield, Liverpool)
Castleford 12, St Helens 42 (SLR7, 22/3/19)
St Helens 26, Castleford 0 (SLS8-R7, 28/9/18)
Super League Summary
- Castleford won 10 (includes win in 2017 play-offs)
- St Helens won 48 (includes wins in 1999 and 2014 play-offs)
- 1 draw
- Castleford highest score: 36-22 (H, 2002) (Widest margin: 30-10, H, 2022)
- St Helens highest score: 72-4 (A, 2006) (also widest margin)
WHO WILL BE THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE?
Liam Moore will be the referee for Sunday’s fixture.
IMPORTANT STADIUM INFORMATION
The turnstiles open an hour and a half before kick-off.
The Railway End is the stand most commonly used by away fans. Although if there are bad weather conditions and a large attendance, away fans can use a section of the Princess Street stand.
Parking is available onsite at the stadium and is priced at £5 per car. The car park gets very busy on match days so please arrive early if you want to park on-site. Additional car parks can be found in Castleford town centre, just a 10 mins walk down Wheldon Road to The Jungle.
The Club Coach travel is now sold out. Any one with coach tickets already, please be outside the Totally Wicked Stadium at 10am on Sunday 26th February.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME?
The game is televised live on Channel 4, 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 the following day.
