Match Preview: Huddersfield Giants (A)

After getting the win over Hull FC last Friday night, the Saints are on the hunt to get back-to-back wins in Betfred Super League over at the John Smith's Stadium on Thursday night against Huddersfield Giants. Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 8pm!

Last year’s Challenge Cup Finalists have further strengthened their squad as they look to go better this year after making their mark in 2022.

After finishing third in the regular season and coming oh so close to lifting the Cup at Tottenham last summer, Ian Watson has added plenty of talent into his ranks, headlined by former Saint – Kevin Naiqama, alongside maverick fullback Jake Connor.

Like the Red V, the Giants missed the opening round of the season due to our involvement in the World Club Challenge, and have two wins and two losses on their record so far. Huddersfield began the season falling to Warrington in Round 2 before registering their first win away at Wakefield, since then they will have played their next three matches at the John Smith’s Stadium, coasting past Castleford but narrowly losing to Wigan 12-14 last Friday night.

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 2023.

TICKET INFORMATION

There is NO ‘Pay on the Gate’ option for home or away fans for this fixture – so we advise securing your spot before travelling if you intend to go and cheer the Saints on at the John Smith’s Stadium. Tickets will be available online on gameday.

Please note: The John Smith’s Stadium is a CASHLESS venue.

Saints supporters’ tickets have been allocated in the Magic Rock Stand with all tickets designated as unreserved seating.

Advance Price

Adults £21 – Concessions (65+) £16 – Under 17’s £10 – Junior Members £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.

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 with St Helens 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.

WELLENS ON THE GAME AT THE GIANTS

The Head Coach gave an injury update ahead of facing the Giants and confirmed that versatile Ben Davies will sadly miss around five to six weeks with recovery time on an injured ankle sustained in the Hull FC game.

The boss discusses the challenge of going over to Huddersfield, and the prospect of facing former Saints’ centre Kevin Naiqama.

Saints TV subscribers can watch Paul Wellens’ full match preview!

TIME TO KICK ON

Last Friday’s victory over the Black & Whites stopped a “losing run” of two matches for the Saints and got us back to winning ways. The scoreline of 20-12 does not tell the whole story as Hull FC came up with their best defensive showing of the season so far, and made the game a physical battle at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Jon Bennison was unlucky to not be named the Sky Sports’ Player of the Match for his fantastic two tries, the later of which ensured the victory for Saints late on and will have done the team the world of good as they look to grow in confidence.

SQUAD NEWS

Head Coach Wellens’ side is boosted by the return of Sione Mata’utia and Konrad Hurrell after serving their two-match suspensions, and Will Hopoate is named in the squad for the first time in Super League 2023 and could make his first appearance since the World Club Challenge victory in Penrith last month.

St Helens 21-man squad

1. Jack Welsby, 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Mark Percival, 5. Jon Bennison, 6. Jonny Lomax, 7. Lewis Dodd, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. James Roby, 10. Matty Lees, 11. Sione Mata’utia, 14. Joey Lussick, 15. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 16. Curtis Sironen, 17. Agnatius Paasi, 19. James Bell, 22. Sam Royle, 23. Konrad Hurrell, 25. Tee Ritson, 30. George Delaney, 34. Wesley Bruines

Huddersfield Giants 21-man squad 

1. Jake Connor, 3 Esan Marsters, 4. Kevin Naiqama, 5. Jake Bibby, 6. Tui Lolohea, 8. Chris Hill, 9. Nathan Peats, 12. Chris McQueen, 13. Luke Yates, 14. Ashton Golding, 16. Harry Rushton, 17. Owen Trout, 18. Seb Ikahihifo, 20. Olly Wilson, 21. Leroy Cudjoe, 22. Harvey Livett, 23. Olly Russell, 24. Sam Halsall, 25. Innes Senior, 27. Jack Ashworth, 32. Will Pryce

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.

WHAT KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?

Whilst it is an away fixture, St Helens will be wearing our popular 2023 Home Kit which features our 150 year crest and the traditional, old-school Red-V!

^ CREDIT: Bernard Platt
Copyright remains property of Bernard Platt

Pick yours up online by visiting saintssuperstore.com.

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.

^ CREDIT: Bernard Platt
For editorial use only. Copyright remains property of Bernard Platt

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.

WHO WILL BE THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE?

Jack Smith will be the referee for Thursday night’s fixture, and he will be supported by Touch Judges Tom Grant and W. Turley, plus Video Referee Liam Moore.

HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME?

Saints will be covering the match in full across our live Match Centre where you can find out the team news, follow live game updates, get behind the scenes photos and catch up on all the stories of the game.

Our club social media accounts will also keep supporters updated. Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Highlights and the full match replay will be available for Saints TV subscribers.

THE REST OF ROUND 6 IN SUPER LEAGUE

Friday

Castleford Tigers vs Warrington Wolves – 8pm
Wakefield Trinity vs Hull KR – 8pm
Wigan Warriors vs Salford Red Devils – 8pm

Saturday

Leeds Rhinos vs Catalans Dragons – 1pm
Hull FC vs Leigh Leopards – 3pm

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