WIGAN WARRIORS and St Helens will both go into the final game of the Magic Weekend level on points, with 22 points from 16 games. Wigan lie in third place and St Helens on fifth purely on the basis of points difference.

Last time these two teams met was in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup at Warrington in May, when the Warriors put Saints to the sword, winning 32-0.

However, Wigan will come into Sunday’s game significantly weakened by injuries, lacking Bevan French, Luke Thompson, Liam Farrell and Noah Hodkinson from the squad that struggled to defeat Hull FC 20-16 last Saturday, while the squad news for St Helens is much more positive, with Daryl Clark returning to the side that enjoyed a convincing 40-10 win at Bradford Bulls.

That could tilt the scales in favour of St Helens, who still have numerous players missing with injury, however.

These two teams have met seven times previously at the Magic Weekend, with the series tied at 3-all with one draw so far and the omens point to another compelling contest between Rugby League’s two fiercest rivals.

SQUADS

Warriors: 1 Jai Field, 2 Zach Eckersley, 3 Adam Keighran, 4 Jake Wardle, 7 Harry Smith, 8 Ethan Havard, 9 Brad O’Neill, 11 Junior Nsemba, 13 Kaide Ellis, 15 Patrick Mago, 17 Oliver Partington, 19 Jack Farrimond, 20 Sam Eseh, 23 Kian McDermott, 25 Taylor Kerr, 26 Nathan Lowe, 27 Lukas Mason, 33 George O’Loughlin, 34 Finlay Yeomans, 38 Austin Daniel, 41 Shea O’Connor

Outs: 6 Bevan French, 10 Luke Thompson, 12 Liam Farrell, 28 Noah Hodkinson
Ins: 8 Ethan Havard, 26 Nathan Lowe, 34 Finlay Yeomans, 38 Austin Daniel

Saints: 1 Jack Welsby, 3 Harry Robertson, 6 Tristan Sailor, 8 Alex Walmsley, 9 Daryl Clark, 11 Curtis Sironen, 12 Shane Wright, 13 David Klemmer, 14 Jacob Host, 15 George Delaney, 22 Joe Shorrocks, 23 Jake Burns, 24 Owen Dagnall, 25 Nene Macdonald, 26 Jacob Douglas, 28 Jake Davies, 29 Alfie Sinclair, 30 Tom Humphreys, 31 Jackson Hastings, 35 Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Billy Keeley,

Outs: Deacon Swarbrick
Ins: 9 Daryl Clark

Referee: Chris Kendall

STATS

Magic Weekend summary
Wigan: Won 10, Lost 6, Drawn 2 (55.55%)
St Helens: Won 9, Lost 8, Drawn 1 (50.00%)
(Head-to-head: Wigan 3, St Helens 3; 1 Draw)

Last ten meetings:
St Helens 0, Wigan 32 (CCSF, 9/5/26)
(at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington)
St Helens 34, Wigan 24 (SLR7, 3/4/26)
St Helens 4, Wigan 18 (SLR25, 5/9/25)
Wigan 24, St Helens 14 (SLR8, 18/4/25)
St Helens 0, Wigan 20 (SLR22, 17/8/24)
(at Elland Road, Leeds)
Wigan 16, St Helens 12 (SLR17, 12/7/24)
St Helens 12, Wigan 4 (SLR6, 29/3/24)
St Helens 34, Wigan 16 (SLR15, 9/6/23)
Wigan 14, St Helens 6 (SLR8, 7/4/23)
Wigan 30, St Helens 10 (SLR25, 26/8/22)

Super League summary
Wigan won 44 (includes win in 2010 Grand Final & wins in 2001, 2003 and 2004 play-offs)
St Helens won 49 (includes wins in 2000, 2014 and 2020 Grand Finals & wins in 2000, 2002, 2009, 2011 and 2019 play-offs)
4 draws
Wigan highest score: 65-12 (A, 1997) (also widest margin)
St Helens highest score: 57-16 (MW, 2008) (Widest margin: 42-0, A *, 2020)
* at AJ Bell Stadium, Salford

BEVAN FRENCH needs 11 points to reach 500 for Wigan Warriors.
​ – 122 tries, 1 field goal (146 appearances, 2019-2026)

NENE MACDONALD needs two tries to reach 100 for his career.
– 2 for St Helens (2026)
– 17 for Salford Red Devils (2024-2025)
– 1 for Oldham (2025, loan)
​- 2 for Leeds Rhinos (2023)
​ – 27 for Leigh Centurions (2022)
​ – 1 for Cronulla Sharks (2020)
​ – 1 for North Queensland Cowboys (2019)
​ – 16 for St George Illawarra Dragons (2017-2018)
​ – 14 for Gold Coast Titans (2015-2016)
​ – 3 for Sydney Roosters (2014-2015)
​ – 14 for Papua New Guinea (2013, 2015-2018, 2022-2025)