To Hull and back, then back again. St Helens visit the MKM Stadium on Thursday night, the Red V's second visit to face Hull FC away in just six days. Kick-off for this Round 16 fixture is scheduled for 8pm.
TICKET & COACH INFORMATION
All tickets are designated as unreserved seating. Tickets will be available on gameday at the MKM Stadium, with prices listed below – but cash is only accepted on the turnstiles, card at the Ticket Office.
SQUAD NEWS
There are two changes to the Saints squad that was declared for the quarter-final with Tommy Makinson and Mark Percival missing out, in come Ben Davies and Wes Bruines to the 21-man squad for Thursday’s game.
Read more on the Saints’ squad news by clicking on the image below.
WELLENS ON FACING FC AGAIN
With St Helens facing the same opposition at the same venue just days after gaining a victory over them, Wellens knows to expect a tough challenge. Furthermore, with it being a tight turnaround and some injuries picked up, he discusses how there may be some changes to the starting thirteen.
Saints TV subscribers can watch Paul Wellens’ preview in full!
A LOOK AT HULL FC…
It’s been back-t0-back defeats for Hull FC, with a loss to Leigh in the league before Saints’ win on Saturday. There is plenty of motivation for the Black & Whites, to end that losing form, but also to stop a 16-game losing run against St Helens.
The Black & Whites shown offshoots of hope for a good season under new Head Coach for 2023 Tony Smith, who joined the club after his time at Hull KR ended during last season. Taking over from Brett Hodgson who was relieved of his duties at the end of 2022 following what was a dismal second half of the campaign.
Following back-to-back victories to start this season, a disastrous run of seven defeats followed for Hull FC leaving many of their supporters concerned their many heavy defeats of recent years was a trend they could not break. But Smith’s philosophy appears to be sinking in more with the squad as the year rolls on. A run of four wins on the spin helped, including their Round Six win over Castleford to get to the quarter-finals.
The Airlie Birds’ performance of the season so far came at Magic Weekend when they cruised past high-flying Warrington, 30-18.
In 2023, FC’s squad has been bolstered by key spine additions such as fullback Tex Hoy, who misses out for this match, but their two half-back options in Jake Trueman and Jake Clifford are looking strong. Clifford missed out Saturday’s match so will be eager to make an impact and guide the team to a revenge victory.
Smith will be without centre/back-rower Josh Griffin who received a much talked about red card due to a disagreement with the referee after the half time hooter had gone.
The Saints have also faced Hull FC earlier this year back in March, it was a defensive battle between the two sides which Paul Wellens’ men saw out with a win, 20-12. Saints are out to make it 3-0 in our favour.
DODD ON THE REMATCH WITH HULL
With Hull FC welcoming back Jake Clifford it could be an interesting half battle at the MKM Stadium as Dodd discusses…
Head over to Saints TV to watch the chat with Doddy in full!
WHO WILL BE THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE?
The referee for our Round 16 clash between Hull FC and Saints will be Jack Smith, he will be supported by the touch judges Liam Rush and Mark Craven, whilst Marcus Griffiths will be the video referee.
NEXT UP AT HOME… THE TIGERS 🐯
RECENT RECORD AGAINST HULL FC
The Saints have a strong winning run over the Black & Whites, being victorious in the last sixteen meetings, dating back to August 2017. The Red V has also won on our last eight visits to the MKM Stadium.
Last ten meetings:
Hull FC 18, St Helens 32 (CCQF, 17/6/23)
St Helens 20, Hull FC 12 (SLR5, 17/3/23)
Hull FC 6, St Helens 60 (SLR23, 14/8/22)
St Helens 24, Hull FC 10 (SLR12, 13/5/22)
Hull FC 6, St Helens 38 (SLR2, 19/2/22)
Hull FC 10, St Helens 42 (SLR17, 2/8/21)
Hull FC 18, St Helens 33 (CCSF, 5/6/21) (at Leigh Sports Village)
St Helens 34, Hull FC 16 (SLR8, 28/5/21)
Hull FC 18, St Helens 32 (SLR3, 16/2/20)
Hull FC 6, St Helens 22 (SLR29, 13/9/19)
WHAT KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
As Thursday night’s game an away fixture St Helens will be wearing our 2023 Away Kit, which in our milestone 150th year, features our club’s traditional colours of sky blue and navy, with a classic deep V design along with some finer details, including our 150 year crest.
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Pick yours up online by visiting saintssuperstore.com!
THE REST OF ROUND 16 IN SUPER LEAGUE
Friday
Castleford Tigers vs Warrington Wolves – 8pm
Hull KR vs Wakefield Trinity – 8pm
Leeds Rhinos vs Huddersfield Giants – 8pm
Saturday
Catalans Dragons vs Leigh Leopards – 6pm (UK)
Sunday
Salford Red Devils vs Wigan Warriors – 3pm
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 will also be broadcasted live on Sky Sports Arena from 7:30pm.
