Warrington Wolves’ news is heartbreaking.
Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards, and Catalans Dragons are among the teams vying to dethrone St Helens as Super League champions in 2023.
The Saints have held the trophy for 1448 days, and their reign will come to an end this Saturday at the Totally Wicked Stadium against Warrington Wolves.
The teams enter into this with differing regular season records. Warrington had a wonderful start to the season, winning their first eight games, but it has been a rollercoaster ride since then. Daryl Powell’s reign came to an end after eight consecutive defeats, and in came Gary Chambers. Chambers has worked to steady the ship and steer the team to the playoffs since his hiring.
The Wire, on the other hand, had to work their way into the top six by defeating Huddersfield Giants last week.
St Helens started the season badly, but once they got past the World Club Challenge, they were one of the league’s best teams, narrowly missing out on the League Leaders Shield on points difference.
The rivals have already played three times this season, with the defending champion taking the spoils on all three occasions; nonetheless, the games have been tight affairs, so who will advance to the semi-finals next weekend?
Of course, team news is essential in answering that question. The Wolves have an unexpected exclusion in their roster with the nomination of Josh Thewlis for Young Player of the Year.
Last week, Thewlis came in to replace the injured Matty Ashton for the Wolves, but this week, Thewlis is out and Ashton is back.
Matty Russell will most likely start on the opposite wing. Fortunately, George Williams is still available to play.
Paul Wellens makes just one alteration to the side that defeated Hull FC last Friday night, with George Delaney receiving a one-match ban following the game. In comes Dan Norman, who, if chosen, will make his final Saints home appearance after being confirmed as one of our outgoing Saints at the end of the season.
Will Hopoate, like Dan, will be making his farewell appearance in the legendary Red V strip at the Totally Wicked Stadium if he is chosen to play in the game.
