Jack Welsby Returns to 21-Man Squad for Saints Vs York Knights

Jack Welsby is back in St Helens’ 21-man squad for saints vs york knights on Friday night, a sharp turn after the shoulder injury he suffered in February was expected to keep him out for four months. St Helens now have an extra senior option for the home match, while York arrive with a trimmed 18-man group.

Welsby returns for St Helens

Welsby’s return is the main squad change for St Helens, who named 21 players. Bill Leyland also came back on a short-term loan from Hull KR, while Alfie Sinclair and Billy Keeley dropped out of the squad.

Mark Applegarth trims York

York head coach Mark Applegarth made three changes and named 18 players. Sam Wood, Josh Griffin and Kieran Hudson dropped out, and Matty Foster was called in for a possible club debut.

Recent St Helens wins over York

The latest meeting list tilts heavily toward St Helens, who beat York 46-6 on 15/5/15 and 62-0 on 6/5/05. The other results listed also favor St Helens: 14-6 on 13/11/88, 18-11 on 16/3/86, 30-8 on 8/9/85, 19-7 on 21/2/82, 17-3 on 27/1/82, 18-5 on 9/3/80, 25-16 on 4/3/80 and 10-9 on 6/4/75.

For St Helens, the practical effect is simple: Welsby is available again sooner than expected, and that gives the home side a stronger selection base for a match they have already named with 21 players. York, by contrast, go in with 18 and a possible debut for Foster.