The Saints take on Salford Red Devils at the Totally Wicked Stadium for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off at 1pm! It should be a day to remember with James Roby set to become the all-time match appearance record holder for the club!
RED V RESERVES UP FIRST!
It will be even more of a Super Saturday with double the action with our Reserves taking on Salford too ahead of the Super League match at 10:45am. Stadium entry will be available from 10:15am.
Our Reserves are on a four-match winning streak and are currently undefeated in the 2023 Reserves campaign for 2023 so far. Last time out they got the win by holding off a late fightback from Castleford.
532 AND COUNTING…
Last Friday night in France the Saints skipper matched the record held by the legendary Kel Coslett with his 531st game for the Red V. Kel’s status at the top of our appearances record has stood for over 45 years, dating back to 1976 and finally someone has matched the feat.
If Roby takes to the field against the Red Devils he would further cement his status as one of the finest rugby league players to ever feature for our club and to play the sport as a whole.
So, how are we celebrating?!
- ‘Roby 9’ and ‘532’ fan cards will be made available for supporters on home turnstiles at entry (West, North and South stands)
- A fan fund raised giant banner by RedVee.net will be unveiled when Roby enters the field for kick-off
- The Saints First Team are warming up with special ‘Roby 9’ tees and will be forming a guard of honour alongside past players too
- A post-match presentation will take place for James too
SUPPORTER SAFETY
St Helens R.F.C. want to ensure that everyone who comes to enjoy game days at the Totally Wicked Stadium can do so in a safe and friendly environment!
The Club would like to reiterate to supporters that it operates a zero-tolerance approach to any anti-social behaviour, at both our own home ground and when visiting other clubs’ stadiums. Misbehaviours that will not be tolerated include, but are not limited to; physical or verbal abuse, violent conduct, missile throwing, excessive alcohol misuse, and any drug misuse.
Furthermore, the use of pyrotechnics is strictly prohibited under both rugby and football ground regulations. They can cause serious injuries to those who carry them as well as fellow spectators, as well as damage to surfaces such as the playing pitch which can cost clubs thousands of pounds.
The Club during last season and this season has taken preventative actions for home fixtures, with additional stewarding and ‘sniffer’ dog patrols around the stadium. Supporters may encounter these dog patrols when approaching the stadium.
IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATION
The quickest and easiest method of securing your spot at the Totally Wicked Stadium is by purchasing your ticket online by visiting eticketing.co.uk/saintsrlfc. You can secure a digital or ‘Print at Home’ ticket which would not require you to visit the Ticket Office.
Find out more about our stands, ticket prices and Ticket Office hours by clicking here.
SQUAD NEWS
There are two changes to the Saints squad that was named for last week’s game against the Dragons with two youngsters available for Wellens’ selection, whilst Konrad Hurrell and Lewis Baxter step out of the team.
Imposing prop forward Dan Norman and the versatile centre Ben Davies are both available to play following injuries. Davies marked a return to fitness at the weekend by appearing on dual-registration duty for Swinton Lions, kicking five conversions in their impressive win over Toulouse Olympique.
Rowley will be without influential centre Tim Lafai and star wing man Ken Sio, but fullback Ryan Brierley looks to have been medically cleared following an eye injury.
Salford Red Devils 21-man squad
1 Ryan Brierley, 3 Kallum Watkins, 5 Joe Burgess, 6 Brodie Croft, 7 Marc Sneyd, 8 Jack Ormondroyd, 9 Andy Ackers, 10 King Vuniyayawa, 11 Andrew Dixon, 12 Sam Stone,13 Oliver Partington, 14 Chris Atkin, 15 Danny Addy, 16 Tyler Dupree, 17 Shane Wright, 18 Alex Gerrard, 20 Ellis Longstaff, 22 Rhys Williams, 24 Matt Costello, 25 Ben Hellewell, 28 Deon Cross.
WELLENS WANTS FOCUS ON RESULT
The boss was keen to appreciate that it would be a special event for Saints with James Roby but that a performance and a result over Salford would be the focus.
Saints TV subscribers can watch Paul Wellens’ preview in full!
A LOOK AT SALFORD…
The Red Devils are in red-hot form, four wins from their last four games, there’s no denying they are a highly entertaining side to watch and have a side that if they can keep on the field could be challenging at the end of the season.
Unlike Salford of years gone by, the Greater Manchester side are retaining some of their big stars and the biggest is the current Man of Steel, Brodie Croft. His insane, never-been-done before, seven-year extension indicates exactly how Salford are looking to operate going forward; by keeping their best with them.
They have made some astute signings too for this season with the likes of Oliver Partington and Ellis Longstaff, two youngsters who could make it big in Super League.
So far in 2023 Salford have played 11 games, win 7 and losing 4, it sees them sat in sixth spot as we head into Round 12 of Super League 2023.
Last ten meetings
St Helens 19, Salford 12 (SLSF, 17/9/22)
Salford 44, St Helens 12 (SLR21, 31/7/22)
St Helens 14, Salford 10 (SLR11, 29/4/22)
Salford 26, St Helens 14 (SLR25, 17/9/21)
St Helens 28, Salford 0 (SLR6, 17/5/21)
St Helens 29, Salford 6 (SLR1, 26/3/21) (at Emerald Headingley, Leeds)
Salford 12, St Helens 10 (SLR18, 26/10/20) (at Emerald Headingley, Leeds)
St Helens 48, Salford 8 (SLR1, 31/1/20)
Salford 6, St Helens 23 (SLGF, 12/10/19) (at Old Trafford, Manchester)
St Helens 32, Salford 30 (SLR15, 17/5/19)
The Saints dominate the head-to-head between the two clubs in Super League. St Helens have played Salford in Super League on 55 occasions, with the Red V winning 46 times (including the 2019 Grand Final victory, and last September’s semi-final.)
Our highest score over Salford came in 2001 when we beat the Red Devils by 66 points to 16, whilst our widest margin over them was set in 2000 away, winning 58-4.
SPECIAL EDITION OF SAINTS & PROUD
It’s a James Roby special edition of our official Match Programme, which in 2023 is more interactive and mobile friendly, giving our supporters the best digital experience to read.
In this edition of Saints & Proud fans can read:
- Exclusive: THE BIG READ with the man himself… James Roby: 532 and counting
- Closer looks at Roby’s debut and the first time Roby was Saints’ captain
- Head Coach Paul Wellens’ exclusive Match Programme column
- A look at the iconic Welshman who has stood at the top of our match appearances board for 47 years – Kel Coslett
- Chairman Eamonn McManus pens a column in recognition of Roby’s achievement
- An exclusive Q&A with Saints Women’s Vicky Whitfield
- A youth recap
- Plus much more…
WHAT KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
Saints will be wearing the hugely popular 2023 Home Kit, which features our 150th year crest, along with an old-school, traditional Red-V.
You can get yours online by visiting saintssuperstore.com.
WHO WILL BE THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE?
Chris Kendall will be the referee for Saturday afternoon’s fixture, and he will be supported by Touch Judges M. Griffiths and A. Moore, plus Video Referee Liam Moore.
THE MAN OF THE MOMENT…
The Red V captain just keeps making history…
Ahead of what should be a day to remember James Roby insisted the focus was to treat this game like any other match. With Salford Red Devils in red-hot form, the Saints hooker is prepared for a tough task.
Watch the full player preview with James Roby on Saints TV!
GRAB SOME TASTY FOOD & TOP QUALITY DRINKS AT THE TOTALLY WICKED STADIUM
Find out much more about what there is to eat and drink by clicking here or on the map below!
THE REST OF ROUND 12 IN SUPER LEAGUE
Thurday
Wakefield Trinity 2-26 Hull FC
Friday
Huddersfield Giants 4-30 Leigh Leopards
Castleford Tigers 22-46 Catalans Dragons
Warrington Wolves 21-14 Hull KR
Wigan Warriors 18-40 Leeds Rhinos
WHEN ROBES MET KEL
Since 1976, no man has played more matches for St Helens R.F.C than the iconic Kel Coslett, who played for our club on 531 occasions.
Kel played for Saints from 1962 for fourteen years, scoring 45 tries and amassing an incredible 1,639 goals, totalling 3,413 points, both club records also.
Now, 47 years on, James Roby in his twentieth season as as a Red V player is poised to make even more history by becoming the club’s new all-time club appearance record holder.
Ahead of breaking the record and making a feat that will likely never be broken again, James Roby sat down in conversation with Kel Coslett.
Watch the full feature for FREE on SAINTS TV!
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 game is live on Channel 4 with coverage starting from 12:45.
