St Helens v Wigan Warriors team news as Jai Field named in 21-man squad
Wigan Warriors have been boosted by the potential return of superstar fullback Jai Field, who has returned to their 21-man squad ahead of their Rivals Round clash with St Helens on Good Friday.
The Australian speedster has missed Wigan’s last four matches after falling ill with appendicitis at the start of March. Following his diagnosis, Field underwent surgery to have his appendix removed and has been on the road to recovery since then.
Field has watched from the sidelines as Wigan beat Toulouse Olympique, Bradford Bulls (Challenge Cup) and York Knights, as well as their defeat to Huddersfield Giants last Saturday.
But he could well return to action on Good Friday after being named in Matt Peet’s 21-man squad, replacing youngster Jonny Vaughan in the only change in the extended squad for the trip over Billinge Hill.
Meanwhile, Kian McDermott, Lukas Mason and Dayon Sambou could also come into the Warriors’ matchday line-up, having not featured against Huddersfield last time out.
As for St Helens, coach Paul Rowley has made three changes to his 21-man squad that went down to a 52-10 defeat away to Hull KR last Friday. Mark Percival and George Delaney picked up injuries against the Robins, with Cole Marsh also dropping out.
Saints have brought in prop Jordan Dezaria and hooker Bill Leyland on short-term loan deals from Hull KR, while homegrown forward Chris Matagi, the son of former New Zealand and Samoa international Suaia Matagi, is also included in Saints’ extended squad.
There are five potential debutants for Saints in the shape of Dezaria, Leyland, Matagi, Tom Humphreys and Billy Keeley.
Saints: Harry Robertson, Deon Cross, Tristan Sailor, Daryl Clark, Shane Wright, David Klemmer, Matt Whitley, Jake Wingfield, Agnatius Paasi, Lewis Murphy, Noah Stephens, Joe Shorrocks, Owen Dagnall, Jake Davies, Alfie Sinclair, Jackson Hastings, Jordan Dezaria, Tom Humphreys, Billy Keeley, Bill Leyland, Chris Matagi.
Wigan: Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Liam Marshall, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis, Sam Walters, Patrick Mago, Ollie Partington, Jack Farrimond, Sam Eseh, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, Lukas Mason, Noah Hodkinson, Dayon Sambou.
The Rivals Round fixture takes place at the sold-out BrewDog Stadium on Good Friday afternoon, 3pm kick-off. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Action.