Arguably the hottest derby in Rugby League returns again tonight, as Wigan will be looking to complete a league double on St Helens by inflicting defeat on them at the DW Stadium.
A win for the Warriors – who are welcoming back a whole host of stars – will see them jump above the Saints in the table, and put them in prime position to finish top of the pile at the conclusion of the regular season. And boss Shaun Wane is able to welcome back the likes of Matty Bowen and Sean O’Loughlin into his side for the clash, to give him a huge boost in terms of selection. However, he is without Michael McIlorum and Liam Farrell, who are injured and suspended respectively.
As for the Saints, prop Alex Walmsley is available after completing a one-match ban last weekend against Castleford. Versatile centre Josh Jones is also recalled to the 19-man squad as Nathan Brown’s Saints look to maintain their position as Super League leaders.
The Squads
Wigan Warriors: Bateman, Bowen, Burgess, Burke, Crosby, Doran, Dudson, Flower, Gelling, Hughes, James, Manfredi, Murphy, O’Loughlin, S Powell, Sarginson, Smith, Taylor, Williams.
St Helens: Makinson, Turner, Jones, Swift, Hohaia, Walsh, Masoe, Roby, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Soliola, Wilkin, Manu, Flanagan, Wellens, Walmsley, Percival, Dawson, Richards, Thompson.
The Stats
Last ten meetings
St Helens 14, Wigan 33 (SLR9, 18/4/14)
St Helens 22, Wigan 16 (SLR22, 22/7/13)
Wigan 28, St Helens 16 (SLR9, 29/3/13)
Wigan 18, St Helens 26 (SLR27, 7/9/12)
St Helens 16, Wigan 42 (SLR15, 27/5/12) (at Etihad Stadium, Manchester)
Wigan 18, St Helens 4 (CCQF, 12/5/12)
St Helens 10, Wigan 28 (SLR10, 6/4/12)
St Helens 26, Wigan 18 (SLQSF, 1/10/11)
Wigan 18, St Helens 26 (SLQPO, 18/9/11)
St Helens 12, Wigan 18 (CCSF, 6/8/11) (at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington)
Super League summary
Wigan won 31 (includes win in 2010 Grand Final & wins in 2001, 2003 and 2004 play-offs)
St Helens won 28 (includes win in 2000 Grand Final & wins in 2000, 2002, 2009 and 2011 play-offs)
4 draws
Wigan highest score: 65-12 (A, 1997) (also widest margin); St Helens highest score: 57-16 (MM, 2008) (also widest margin)
The Prediction
How do you call a game like this? On this occasion, we’re going to let you decide by tweeting us your winners!
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