St Helens v Widnes Vikings: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 24/04/15 7:52pm
St Helens welcome back Mark Percival from injury for Friday’s Super League visit of Widnes Vikings to Langtree Park.
The centre has recovered from the medial knee ligament injury that saw him miss the last seven matches, but Saints will be without skipper Jon Wilkin and utility man Lance Hohaia.
Scrum-half Luke Walsh is set to make his first start of the season in place of Wilkin, while Matty Flemming keeps his place in Keiron Cunningham’s 19-man squad after making an encouraging debut against Leeds.
Joe Mellor is back in the Widnes squad after missing the win over Castleford through illness. He replaces Tom Gilmore as the Vikings seek only their second away win against St Helens in 13 attempts.
Saints, who were two points clear at the top after winning their opening six matches, have lost four of their last five but coach Cunningham remains positive.
"I'm not having sleepless nights," said Cunningham. "I have a good squad here and we aren't that far away.
"Widnes are coming to our place off the back of a great victory but, if we do the right things and play well, then we will be tough to beat."
St Helens: Kyle Amor, Jack Ashworth, Travis Burns, Lewis Charnock, Mark Flanagan, Matty Fleming, Josh Jones, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Tommy Makinson, Mose Masoe, Mark Percival, Greg Richards, James Roby, Andre Savelio, Adam Swift, Luke Thompson, Jordan Turner, Alex Walmsley, Luke Walsh
Widnes Vikings: Patrick Ah Van, Kevin Brown, Chris Dean, Gil Dudson, Danny Galea, Alex Gerrard, Rhys Hanbury, Aaron Heremaia, Willie Isa, Phil Joseph, Macgraff Leuluai, Manase Manuokafoa, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Jack Owens, Cameron Phelps, Eamon O'Carroll, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley.