St.Helens host Castleford Tigers at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday, 1st August, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm!
❤️ REMEMBERING RAY
Last Saturday, the Rugby League community was saddened to learn about the passing of Ray French MBE, an outstanding servant to our sport not only as a player, but also as a newspaper writer, an author, and an iconic voice of the BBC’s Rugby League coverage on radio and television for 37 years.
The Saints will be holding a minute’s applause ahead of Friday night’s match against Castleford, to celebrate the life of Saint #786 – Raymond James French.
We will ask supporters to stand if they able and applaud one of our Town’s finest sons, on and off the field.
TICKET & ENTRY 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
Coach Wellens makes a number of changes to the squad he last declared for Betfred Super League action a fortnight ago, with Daryl Clark and Jake Burns both back available. Joe Batchelor is also back in contention following injury.
Click or tap on the image below to read more about our Round 20 squad news.
Castleford Tigers 21-man squad vs St.Helens
The main news from the Tigers’ camp is Jenson Windley has been recalled from his loan with Sheffield Eagles. The young pivot could feature in the halves or at fullback, with the Tigers without Tex Hoy.
Reserves player Andy Djeukessi is named in Chris Chester’s selection, although without a squad number so if selected he would make his senior debut for the Fords.
Cas will also be without hooker Liam Horne and back-rower Jeremiah Simbiken who are both banned for this fixture.
3. Zac Cini, 4. Sam Wood, 6. Daejarn Asi, 7. Rowan Milnes, 10. George Lawler, 12. Alex Mellor, 13. Joe Westerman, 15. George Griffin, 16. Cain Robb, 19. Sam Hall, 20. Muizz Mustapha, 22. Louis Senior, 23. Fletcher Rooney, 24. Josh Simm, 26. George Hill, 27. Jenson Windley, 38. Brad Singleton, 41. Tom Amone, 42. Chris Atkin, 43. Joe Stimson, Andy Djeukessi
LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT: CROSSBAR CHALLENGE
Winners of our John Lennon Crossbar Challenge on Friday will win flights courtesy of Sun Express!
The prize on offer this week is a pair of return flights to Antalya in Turkey.
SunExpress fly direct from Liverpool to the Turquoise Coast of Antalya, and flights are now on sale up to summer 2026 at sunexpress.com, starting at just £59.99 one-way. Free airport parking is also included.
With the eyes of all the Saints faithful in the West Stand watching, the contesting Member will get three attempts to hit the crossbar from the 20m line.
*Please note Terms & Conditions apply for this competition and prize.
WHO WILL BE THE MATCH OFFICIALS?
Aaron Moore will be the referee on Friday night, with Denton Arnold and Simon Ellis on Touch Judge duty. Liam Rush will be the Video Referee for this game.
FOLLOW THE GAME WITH SAINTS
Not coming to the Totally Wicked Stadium? We have you covered!
Get updated in full with the Saints’ Live Match Centre – our hub for you to find out the team news, follow live game updates, see behind the scenes photos, and read all the key stories of the fixture.
St.Helens’ social media accounts will keep supporters up to date of every key moment too, so get following us!
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THE REST OF ROUND 20
This round of Betfred Super League fixture have been split across two weeks, with six teams playing last week, and the other six to be in action this week.
Below you will find last week’s results from the first week of the split round, with this week’s coming fixtures too.
Thursday, 24th July
Wakefield Trinity 15-14 Leeds Rhinos
Friday, 25th July
Wigan Warriors 28-18 Catalans Dragons
Saturday, 26th July
Hull FC 14-30 Huddersfield Giants
Thursday, 31st July
Salford Red Devils vs Hull KR
Friday, 1st August
Leigh Leopards vs Warrington Wolves
Take a look at how the Betfred Super League table looks ahead of Round 20 by clicking here.
THE RECORD AGAINST CASTLEFORD
Super League summary
St.Helens and Castleford have faced each other 66 times in the Betfred Super League era. Saints have won 54 meetings, with the Tigers winning 11 and just the one draw between the teams.
Castleford’s last victory over the Red V came at the Totally Wicked Stadium last year, a 6-8 upset. Whilst their biggest victory over Saints came in a 30-10 victory in 2022.
Saints have won seven of the last ten meetings against the Tigers. The biggest victory for the Red V was a 4-72 victory in West Yorkshire back in 2006.
Last ten meetings
Castleford 6, St Helens 46 (SLR2, 22/2/25)
St Helens 40, Castleford 4 (SLR26, 13/9/24)
St Helens 6, Castleford 8 (SLR16, 5/7/24)
Castleford 4, St Helens 60 (SLR11, 10/5/24)
Castleford 4, St Helens 34 (SLR23, 25/8/23)
St Helens 22, Castleford 0 (SLR17, 30/6/23)
Castleford 6, St Helens 24 (SLR2, 26/2/23)
St Helens 20, Castleford 12 (SLR22, 7/8/22)
Castleford 30, St Helens 10 (SLR10, 22/4/22)
St Helens 10, Castleford 20 (SLR19, 12/8/21)
COACH PREVIEW
The small break was a welcome one for Wellens and his men, with players edging closer to a return, if not this week, in the weeks to come.
Our Head Coach gives the latest news surrounding his squad, including updates on James Bell, Joe Batchelor, Deon Cross, and Jack Welsby who is looking to be ahead of schedule with his injury rehabilitation.
With a number of matches to come against sides currently in the top six of the Super League table, Wellens is keen for his team to attack the back end of the campaign and focus on ourselves as we strive to finish as high as we can come the end of the regular season.
Saints TV subscribers can watch Wello’s full Coach Preview!
🤴 PERCIVAL TALKS CAS CLASH
Percival spoke to Saints TV following the Club’s annual Member Open Day and discussed spending a couple of nights in hospital due to the illness he picked up ahead of the home match against Leigh.
It came at a less-than-ideal time, having just welcomed his little son into the world just days before. However, not to be beaten by the sickness, ‘Percy’ reveals he was speaking to Paul Wellens and trying to still put his hand up to play!
Watch the full player preview with Percy on Saints TV!
TUNE IN TO WATCH LIVE
Fans not in attendance on Friday night at the Totally Wicked Stadium can watch the game live on Sky Sports+ from 7:55pm.
The full match replay will be available for Saints TV subscribers on Saturday.
🔻 IN THE HOME KIT
The Saints’ 2025 Home Kit will be worn on Friday night!
Taking centre stage, the iconic Saints crest has been transformed into a futuristic holographic badge and is placed in the centre of the shirt for the first time in 16 years.
The shirt has elasticated sleeve cuffs that feature a woven oval SH pattern taken from one of the core elements of the Club crest, with the SH also watermarked into the Red V and on the side panels of the shorts.
Get yours online by visiting saintssuperstore.com!
The Saints Superstore at the Totally Wicked Stadium will also be open on game day for you to visit!
FOOD & DRINK
The Totally Wicked Stadium has a number of kiosks located around the concourse, each named after a legendary Saints player or phrase!
These are situated in each stand and serve a variety of hot and cold food, chocolate, crisps, snacks as well as a range of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Check out a full rundown of our Food & Drink offerings by clicking on the image below!
BAG CHECK
Personal bags of A5 size or smaller only will be permitted in the Totally Wicked Stadium, and our stewarding staff will check your bags and conduct bag checks upon entry.
Whilst this is a change to what supporters have been used to in the past, the Club’s decision to implement these changes to entering the ground with a bag are to ensure everyone’s security and safety when attending fixtures at the home of the Saints.
With the proposed implementation of The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill legislation, there may be further updates to fans’ gameday experiences in the future, with the priority of creating a safe environment for all.
We kindly ask supporters to please remain patient and be co-operative with our staff, and we thank you for your understanding.
Bags larger than A5 will only be permitted at the discretion of St.Helens R.F.C. staff if containing essentials for babies, or medical purposes and will be subject to being searched before entry. It is advised to provide Medical Exemption Certificates or proof of eligibility for a Medical Exemption Certificate.
O’Neills branded paper bags from the Saints Superstore will be permitted entry, however they too will be subject to bag checks from our stewarding staff.
Bag-Drop Facility
A Bag-Drop area will be set up on match days at the Totally Wicked Stadium for any bags that would not be permitted entry. This will be located in the South East corner of the stadium and will be open from two hours before kick-off and will close one hour after full time.
Please note our Bag-Drop facility will cost £3 per bag, and as a cashless venue only debit or credit cards will be accepted. St.Helens R.F.C. accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of items which are left at the owners’ risk, with all bags subject to a search.
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 recent seasons 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.
St.Helens would also like to encourage parents/guardians of children coming to the ground to ensure they are always aware of what their child is doing and where in the stadium they are at all times.
UP NEXT AT HOME: HUDDERSFIELD
The Saints’ next home game will be against Huddersfield has been moved to Sunday 17th August, with kick off set for 2:30pm at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
It will be the second and final meeting between the two sides in 2025, Saints winning the first meeting 4-46 in West Yorkshire in May.
Get your tickets for St.Helens versus Huddersfield Giants online now!
