Wigan Warriors and St Helens have named their 21-man squads for Friday evening’s eagerly anticipated derby, with both clubs able to call upon a number of players returning from absence. The match is the fourth meeting between the sides this season and carries significant local interest.
Returns boost both squads
Wigan head coach Matt Peet has been handed a timely selection lift as four players are available after spells out of the team. Notable returns include:
- Sam Walters — available after serving a seven-game ban;
- Bevan French — back from a hamstring problem;
- Liam Marshall — making his first appearance since last August;
- Noah Hodkinson — cleared to return following the fractured skull sustained in June.
Those inclusions will provide fresh options across the pack and in the backline as Wigan look to maintain momentum in what has been a testing spell for the club.
Saints respond with their own reinforcements
St Helens boss Paul Rowley has also been able to recall players to his match-day squad. George Delaney has recovered from a head knock suffered at Magic Weekend, while Lewis Murphy and Shane Wright have been deemed fit enough to be named. A trio — Curtis Sironen, Nene Macdonald and Chris Matagi — make way for the visitors.
Squad lists
| Wigan Warriors | St Helens |
|---|---|
| Jai Field Zach Eckersley Adam Keighran Jake Wardle Liam Marshall Bevan French Harry Smith Ethan Havard Brad O'Neill Luke Thompson Kaide Ellis Sam Walters Patrick Mago Oliver Partington Sam Eseh Taylor Kerr Noah Hodkinson George O'Loughlin George Marsden Austin Daniel Shea O'Connor |
Jack Welsby Harry Robertson Tristan Sailor Shane Wright Jacob Host George Delaney Lewis Murphy Joe Shorrocks Jake Burns Jacob Douglas Jake Davies Alfie Sinclair Tom Humphreys Jackson Hastings Cole Marsh Daniel Suluka-Fifita Matty Evans Jed Cartwright Jack Campbell Billy Keeley Tyler McGann |
Context and local impact
The derby between Wigan and St Helens remains one of the most intense fixtures in the county calendar. Both clubs have been managing a run of injuries and suspensions in recent weeks, so the availability of experienced figures such as Walters, French and Marshall will be notable for supporters and for team balance on the night.
For Wigan fans, seeing players return ahead of a local derby is a timely morale boost; for St Helens, the recovery of Delaney, Murphy and Wright eases selection headaches and adds competition for places.
Supporters planning to attend should check kick-off details and stadium guidance from their respective clubs ahead of Friday evening. Given the competitive history between the sides this season, the contest promises to be hotly contested and significant for both teams’ momentum as the campaign progresses.
