Weekend Super League Preview
The feature game of the Super League weekend takes place at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, where second place Warrington will be looking to bounce back from their 29-28 defeat against bottom side Catalan Dragons. The visitors are third place St Helens, who will make the short journey south to engage it what is bound to be a fiercely competitive local derby.
Wolves can welcome back Matt King, Paul Wood and Louis Anderson on Saturday, a huge triple boost for coach Tony Smith following last week’s poor result.
Last season’s Super League runners-up St Helens have also been given a timely boost ahead of the game with Kieron Cunningham declared fit following a dislocated toe. Unfortunately for the Saints, Kyle Eastmond has lost the battle to be fit for the clash, with next weekend set as a probable return for the England international.
Hull FC head coach Richard Agar has made four changes for the trip to Harlequins at the weekend, including the return of youngster Reece Lyne. The promising winger, who made an impressive debut against Salford back in March, has been on the sidelines ever since with a knee injury but he been brought into the 19-man squad along with Australian stars Craig Fitzgibbon and Mark O’Meley who both also make a timely return from injury.
That means there is no place for Craig Hall or Mike Burnett, as well as youngsters Liam Kent and Chris Green who had been named for their previous match against Wigan.
Harlequins have made only two changes to their squad with Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and David Howell being brought in, following their recovery from slight knock’s picked up against Castleford two weeks ago.
The sides have faced each other twice this season with Hull winning 28-4 in February, before Harlequins extracting their revenge with a 25-8 victory at Murrayfield in May.
Quins coach Brian McDermott believes that victory puts his side in the driving seat for the clash.
McDermott told the club’s official website: "When we played them at Edinburgh we put in a fairly convincing performance and we'll be trying to replicate that, albeit with slightly different personnel.
"Last weekend they lost 46-0 to Wigan but we have not used that game as a tool in our preparations for Saturday. Hull have been pretty consistent this season and that is the team we are preparing to face."
It will be a special day for Huddersfield fans favourite Brad Drew on Sunday as he is set to make his 100th game for the club against near neighbours Wakefield Wildcats on “Yorkshire Day” at the Galpharm Stadium.
Drew is expected to achieve the milestone as the Giants face off against John Kear’s side following last week’s 40-4 victory over Harlequins RL.
He told the club’s official website that he is delighted with achieving the 100-game accolade.
“I wasn’t aware until I was told that it was my 100th game but its fantastic news! I’m glad that I’ve reached the milestone for this club, which is really close to my heart. The club means the world to me and it’s been a fantastic experience being here, not only for me but for my family also.”
Huddersfield are interested in former Australia forward Willie Mason, but won’t be able to call upon him this weekend, when they face an injury-hit Wakefield side who will be without Sam Obst, Paul Cooke and Paul King. Youngsters James Davey, Matty Wildie, Ben Gledhill and Kieran Hyde will feature though.
The remaining weekend fixtures see Hull KR host Castleford, Salford travelling to the Crusaders RL and Bradford hosting French outfit Catalan Dragons.
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