May 31, 2019

Saints vs. Trinity – Match Preview

The Coral Challenge Cup continues this week, as all the remaining teams head into the competition’s Quarter Final, for a spot in the semi-finals.

Both teams head into this game on the back of the Magic Weekend spectacle at Anfield. The event saw Trinity lose out agonisingly to the Catalans Dragons, 25-18, whilst St Helens triumphed against Castleford 36-16 to extend their lead at the top of the Betfred Super League table.

It is expected to be one of the toughest tests yet for Trinity, but with a semi-final place at stake, Chris Chester’s men will be determined for the challenge.

Trinity

Trinity’s Challenge Cup journey began in the sixth round last month, where they defeated Widnes Vikings, 26-6. Being just two wins from Wembley, Trinity will be hopeful of producing a good and memorable performance and booking a place in the semi-finals.

Chris Chester’s 19-man squad is boosted by a Danny Brough return, where he is set to play in Saturday’s cup tie. Unfortunately however, David Fifita and Max Jowitt are side-lined with injuries for the Quarter Final, but youngster Jack Croft comes into the team after recently starring in the Under 19s.

Trinity will take confidence from their previous encounter with the Saints, as Trinity contested and showed they could match their opponents all the way until the final minutes of the game.

St Helens

Saints are currently flying high at the top of the Betfred Super League table. They sit six points clear, and have suffered just one loss throughout the 2019 campaign so far.

Their Challenge Cup run also started in the sixth round, where they edged out Huddersfield 22-16, away at the John Smith’s Stadium. Saints haven’t won at Wembley since 2008, so will be fuelled with further incentive come Saturday.

Justin Holbrook has named a strong St Helens side for this Quarter Final clash, which sees trio Luke Thompson, Mark Percival and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook feature for the first time since sustaining injuries, respectively.

Trinity will have many Saints stars to watch out for, including wingers Tommy Makinson (Super League’s top metre maker) and Regan Grace. Former Man of Steel and veteran hooker James Roby is another one Trinity will be looking out for, as well as influential playmaker Mark Percival, and the dynamic halfback pairing in Danny Richardson and Jonny Lomax. Their 2019 signing Lachlan Coote has also caught the eyes of many.

Previous meetings

Both sides met previously at the Mobile Rocket Stadium in February this year, where St Helens broke Trinity hearts and clinched the win in the dying minutes of the game, 18-24. In 2018, Trinity have experienced close encounters with the table-topping St Helens side; edged out 30-34 away, but victorious at home, 24-20, showing Trinity can challenge their opponents.

2017 also saw the two sides battle it out for a top four place, where Trinity heartbreakingly lost out 16-18 in an intense home game. Nevertheless, reflection on previous meetings will assist Trinity in preparing for their Quarter Final fixture, which should be just as competitive and exciting.

Squads

Trinity (19-man squad) – Ashurst, Batchelor, Brough, Caton-Brown, Croft, Crowther, England, Hampshire, Hirst, Jones-Bishop, Kershaw, King, Kirmond, Kopczak, Lyne, Miller, Randell, Tanginoa, Wood.

St Helens (19-man squad) – Ashworth, Coote, Costello, Grace, Knowles, Lees, Lomax, Makinson, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Naiqama, Paulo, Percival, Peyroux, Richardson, Roby, Smith, Taia, Thompson, Walmsley.