Thursday night Betfred Super League action awaits the Saints for the first time this season, when we head over to the John Smith's Stadium to face Huddersfield Giants.
Last year’s Challenge Cup Finalists have strengthened their squad in a huge way for 2023 as they look to kick on after an impressive 2022.
Ian Watson’s Giants finished the regular season in third place with the Head Coach’s style of play firmly imprinted in his team. But they fell short in the Cup Final against Wigan in heartbreaking fashion, and lost their home play-off game to Salford who put them to the sword.
A strong squad has only got stronger, headlined by the addition of former Saint Kevin Naiqama, Watson has further big names into his ranks with Jake Connor, Esan Marsters, Harvey Livett, Harry Rushton, and Jake Bibby, plus the return of hooker Nathan Peats. On paper, this Huddersfield side is one of the strongest that has ever been seen at the John Smith’s.
St Helens and Huddersfield only met twice in 2022, with the Red V victorious on each occasion. With the reigning Super League & World Club Champions coming to town, the Giants will be eager to impress on their own patch and gauge where they are at in the early stages of the 2023 season.
TICKET INFORMATION
Saints supporters’ tickets have been allocated in the Magic Rock Stand with all tickets designated as unreserved seating.
| TICKET VARIANT | ADVANCE PURCHASE PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult | £21 |
| Concession (65+) | £16 |
| Under 17 | £10 |
| Junior Member | £5 |
Please note:
- Ticket Prices will increase by £4 at 12 noon on the day of the game.
- There will be no cash turnstiles. Any supporters who arrive without a ticket must purchase via the Huddersfield Giants Ticket Office or purchase a digital ticket here.
Concessions are classed as: Aged 65+, Under 5’s are free but a ticket must be provided via the Saints’ Ticket Office.
Tickets can be purchased online here, via the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium or over the phone on 01744 455052.
Tickets will be come off sale at: 12pm on Thursday, 23rd March – at this point Ticket Collections will be no longer available at the Saints’ Ticket Office, with tickets not yet collected to be made available at John Smith’s Stadium Ticket Office on match night.
Coach Travel to Huddersfield Giants
Coach travel is priced at £14 for 2023 Members and £16 for Non-Members, the coach will depart the Totally Wicked Stadium at 5:30pm on Thursday, 23rd March.
BACK TO WINNING WAYS – TIME TO KICK ON
Paul Wellens’ men got the victory over Hull FC last Friday night 20-12, in what was a real physical battle. Jon Bennison shone with his brace of scores, the first of which he evaded the Black & Whites defence before powering to the line, the second was a fantastic finish in the corner.
The Red V should have more confidence about them following the game against Hull, especially in defence.
Subscribe to Saints TV to watch the full match replay.
Meanwhile, Huddersfield like Saints have won two, lost two, having missed the opening round of action due to St Helens’ involvement in the World Club Challenge. At home last Friday night they went down to a narrow 12-14 defeat against Wigan Warriors.
LAST TIME OUT AGAINST HUDDERSFIELD
Back in July 2022 the Saints hosted the Giants and went down to 12 men with over 50 minutes of the game to go. Despite the man advantage, the Red V held firm and kept their visitors scoreless in an impressive 25-0 victory.
RECENT RECORD AGAINST THE GIANTS
Last ten meetings:
St Helens 25, Huddersfield 0 (SLR19, 15/7/22)
Huddersfield 12, St Helens 24 (SLR9, 18/4/22)
St Helens 23, Huddersfield 18 (CCQF, 7/5/21) (at Emerald Headingley, Leeds)
Huddersfield 10, St Helens 18 (SLR4, 22/4/21)
Huddersfield 6, St Helens 54 (SLR11, 4/9/20) (at Emerald Headingley, Leeds)
St Helens 10, Huddersfield 12 (SLR6, 6/3/20)
St Helens 48, Huddersfield 6 (SLR28, 6/9/19)
St Helens 38, Huddersfield 2 (SLR18, 14/6/19)
Huddersfield 16, St Helens 22 (CCR6, 12/5/19)
Huddersfield 12, St Helens 40 (SLR6, 14/3/19)
Super League summary
St Helens and Huddersfield have faced one another in Super League on 57 occasions, drawing just once. The head-to-head score weighs heavily in favour of the Saints, 43 to the Giants 13 wins.
The highest winning Saints score against Huddersfield came back in 1998, 68-18, but the widest winning margin was back in 2018 by 66-4.
THE SOUTHERN SAINT TO REACH 350
If selected on Thursday night, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook would be making his 350th St Helens appearance!
Since first joining the club back in 2011, he has always been popular with teammates and supporters alike. If you don’t see him first, you’ll hear him, but on the field he is a top class professional who leads from the front.
In his time with the club he has won five Super League titles, four League Leaders’ Shields, one Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge so far.
After making his 450th career appearance two weeks ago, Louie sat down with Sky Sports’ Barrie McDermott for an in-depth discussion about his career to date.
