Rowley Names Percival and Stephens for 21-Man Squad — Tigers Vs Saints
St Helens head into tigers vs saints at 3pm with Mark Percival and Noah Stephens back in Paul Rowley’s 21-man squad. The trip to Castleford Tigers comes in Super League Round 12, and Saints know a win would put them back in position to reclaim top spot from Leeds after Leeds won the previous night.
Rowley’s squad changes
Rowley made two changes to the group that beat Huddersfield Giants last week. Percival returned after missing since the Hull KR away game in March, while Stephens was available again after following return-to-play protocols after a failed Head Injury Assessment in the Saints’ Challenge Cup semi-final.
Alfie Sinclair and George Whitby dropped out of the previous squad announcement. That leaves Saints with a 21-man squad for Saturday’s clash at Wheldon Road, with the coach leaning on players who have already shown they can handle the load in a quick turnaround.
Castleford’s attack
Rowley did not treat Castleford as the same opponent Saints saw earlier this year. He said, “Castleford a different team than we faced previously in terms of much more polished in attack.”
He also pointed to the home side’s threat through Krystian Mapapalangi, saying, “They’ve clearly got a star player in Krystian Mapapalangi, but they’re really threatening offensively more than anything.” Castleford have also been growing nicely in attack, and Rowley said they challenge teams in that area.
The coach added, “I think they’ve been growing nicely in that respect, and they really challenge you in that in that area and are certainly on the same page there, so I guess when they put it together defensively, then they’ve got the whole package.” Saints beat Castleford in the Challenge Cup earlier this year, but Rowley expects a different test after Castleford’s good win against York and with the Cas faithful behind them.
Leeds set the pressure
Leeds’ win the previous night sharpened the table picture for Saints. A result in Castleford would give them a route back toward first place, and the return of Percival and Stephens gives Rowley more options in a match where the margin could shape the top end of Super League Round 12.
