St Helens head to St James' Park for Betfred Super League's Magic Weekend! Our game is the second match up on day two against Huddersfield Giants!
DAY TWO’S SCHEDULE
Sunday, 4th June
- Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Leopards – 12.00pm
- St Helens v Huddersfield Giants – 2.15pm
- Hull FC v Warrington Wolves – 4.30pm
FANS GUIDE FOR MAGIC WEEKEND
Headed up to the Toon to cheer on the Saints?
Here’s the key fan information you need to know with the Fan Guide.
SQUAD NEWS
There are two changes to Paul Wellens’ squad that was named for last Friday night’s win over Leeds, with Matty Lees back from his two-match suspension, and Mark Percival back from injury.
Read more about our latest squad news by clicking on the image below.
St Helens vs Huddersfield Giants
1. Jake Connor, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Kevin Naiqama, 5. Jake Bibby, 6. Tui Lolohea, 7. Theo Fages, 8. Chris Hill, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Joe Greenwood, 12. Chris McQueen, 13. Luke Yates, 15. Matty English, 16. Harry Rushton, 18. Seb Ikahihifo, 20. Olly Wilson, 21. Leroy Cudjoe, 22. Harvey Livett, 24. Sam Halsall, 25. Innes Senior, 32. Will Pryce, 35. Adam Milner.
The Giants could give a debut to their mid-season signing of Adam Milner, who joined the club last week on a loan deal which will be made permanent next year.
THE BOSS AHEAD OF FACING HARD-WORKING HUDDERSFIELD
Paul Wellens spoke to the press this week and praised the efforts of James Bell who it was confirmed has signed a two-year contract extension with the Club, and looked ahead to the challenge of Ian Watson’s Giants in Newcastle.
The Head Coach also discussed the return of Matty Lees back into the matchday fold, and the possible return of Mark Percival who has been rehabilitating a hamstring injury.
Saints TV subscribers can watch Paul Wellens’ preview in full!
A LOOK AT THE GIANTS…
Ahead of the 2023 season, Ian Watson’s side were widely tipped to do well, especially given their strong season in 2022 which saw them finish 3rd in the league and reach the Challenge Cup Final.
For 2023 Huddersfield brought in the likes of Jake Connor, Esan Masters, Jake Bibby, Harvey Livett, as well as former Saint Kevin Naiqama, so rightfully this raised the expectations, but they have yet to get the consistency they are after to challenge right at the top so far.
Heading into Magic Weekend, the Giants sit in ninth place winning five games but losing seven, and getting knocked out of the Challenge Cup at the first stage. A morale boosting win over struggling Castleford last week though will have raised spirits, as they look to come up against the Super League and World Club Champions.
It was a real battle when the Red V and the Cowbell Army met back in March, with an intense, defensive display from both. Saints got the job done at the John Smiths’ Stadium, holding off a fightback and winning 12-14.
WHO WILL BE THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE?
The referee our Magic Weekend clash will be Marcus Griffiths, he will be supported by the touch judges C. Worsley and D. Bowmer, and Liam Moore will be the video referee.
WHAT KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
For the first time, St Helens will be wearing our 150 Heritage Kit which acknowledges bygone days, before Saints had ever worn the famous Red V.
We continue to celebrate the Club approaching 150th Birthday in November 2023 with a kit that blends together History, Our Club and Our Town into one.
The shirt has a very traditional look with Brown and Sky hoops, cleverly alternated to create a front of shirt vee, coupled with a traditional White collar with Button fastening.
Find out more about our kit by clicking HERE.
There is very limited stock left at the pop-up merchandise stands at St James’ Park.
RECENT RECORD AGAINST HUDDERSFIELD
Last ten meetings:
Huddersfield 12, St Helens 14 (SLR6, 23/3/23)
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)
Super League summary
St Helens and Huddersfield have faced one another in Super League on 58 occasions, drawing just once. The head-to-head score weighs heavily in favour of the Saints, 44 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.
Magic Weekend summary
- St Helens: Won 8, Lost 6, Drawn 1 (53.33%)
- Huddersfield: Won 10, Lost 4, Drawn 1 (66.66%)
- (Head-to-head: St Helens 0, Huddersfield 1)
NEXT UP AT HOME… THE DERBY 
RITSON READY FOR HIS FIRST TIME AT MAGIC
No stranger to Tyneside, having played for Newcastle Thunder, flying winger Tee Ritson went up to St James’ Park this week on media duties and was asked all about getting the chance to play at the iconic home of Newcastle United for the very first time.
Tee also discussed how he’s been enjoying being in the Saints’ environment and fighting for his spot in the starting side.
Head over to Saints TV to watch the chat with Tee in full!
THE REST OF MAGIC WEEKEND (ROUND 14)
Saturday
Salford Red Devils 26-16 Hull KR
Wigan Warriors 22-46 Catalans Dragons
Leeds Rhinos 24-26 Castleford Tigers
Sunday
Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards – 12pm
Hull FC vs Warrington Wolves – 4:30pm
BELLY’S STAYING WITH SAINTS
Versatile forward James Bell has extended his contract with the Club for a further two years, keeping him in the Red V until at least the end of the 2025 season!
In his first interview since putting pen to paper on the two-year extension, Belly discusses how easy of a decision it was to stay, being an ever-present so far this year, and his goals going forward in the Red V.
See James Bell’s exclusive interview 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 also be made available for Saints TV subscribers.
The game will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports to watch, and on BBC Radio Merseyside for radio commentary.
