The penultimate match of the Super League Magic Weekend sees St Helens taking on Huddersfield in a clash which would have been a potential Grand Final rehearsal last season but which is anything but this season.
A win for St Helens here can latch them onto the current logjam on 20pts but arguably the win is more important for Huddersfield who will kick off six points adrift of safety in the Super League for next season.
St Helens
This has been a real stop start season for St Helens. Since Easter they’ve found little in the way of consistency at all but they are going to need to put a run together soon if they are to be a part of this exciting race for the playoffs over the weeks to come.
Injuries haven’t helped them that is for sure but they’ve never been strangers in putting youngsters in so we shouldn’t make excuses for them in that area. They’ve lacked a spark in attack at times this season which we can blame the injuries for so they’ll be pleased players are slowly starting to return.
Huddersfield Giants
The Giants have been rancid at times this season but in recent weeks they have shown signs of a slight revival. In fairness to them even in their bad times they were losing close matches but they have won two of their last four in all competitions although neither Warrington nor Leeds did much for those wins as a form guide on Saturday.
Injuries haven’t helped Huddersfield either but their issue has been their defence which has leaked a lot more regularly this season than it has done in years gone by and that is an area they will need to improve on if they are going to make it out of danger and secure Super League rugby next season.
Team news
St Helens welcome Jordan Turner and Shannon McDonnell back into the squad for this match with Dominic Peyroux and Mark Percival missing out with the injuries they picked up in the win over Salford last week. Tommy Makinson remains on the sidelines.
Huddersfield Giants have Scott Grix available for the first time in a couple of months which will be a real boost to them. What happens with Ryan Brierley should Grix start the game remains to be seen. New signing Sebastine Ikahihifo could get a debut here too.
Betting
This is generally a match St Helens have the upper hand in and I fancy them to have it again here too. The reason I say that is because they have always been a side for the big matches and even when they have been at their best Huddersfield have faded under the huge spotlights.
Huddersfield clearly aren’t at their best this season and haven’t really looked near it at any stage and I think they could be there for the taking for a St Helens side who are starting to get a really consistent and strong spine to their side which should in turn least to their results becoming much more consistent.
St Helens more than hold their own in the power department up the middle and in the likes of Luke Walsh, Jordan Turner, Shannon McDonnell and Jonny Lomax they have enough game changers to stay on top here and gain another Magic Weekend win.
Tips
Back St Helens to beat Huddersfield for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with William Hill
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