St Helens v Widnes Vikings: Ladbrokes Challenge Cup preview
Last Updated: 28/06/15 5:11pm
St Helens are facing a full-back dilemma ahead of Sunday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarter-final with Widnes Vikings at Langtree Park.
Shannon McDonnell has joined Jonny Lomax and Tommy Makinson on the treatment table after snapping his Achilles tendon against Castleford last week, while a hip problem has forced Saints legend Paul Wellens to hang up his boots.
Kieron Cunningham has stated his intention to sign a full-back and he makes two changes to his 19-man squad for Sunday’s last-eight tie.
Youngsters Matty Fleming and Lewis Charnock are included, with the injured McDonnell and Luke Thompson dropping out.
Saints last lifted the Challenge Cup in 2008 and hooker James Roby, who was part of that victorious side, believes the experience of last year’s Grand Final will stand them in good stead.
"We're always out to win every trophy that's on offer," he said. "I think we can use the Grand Final win last year as motivation in the Challenge Cup to get to Wembley.
"We went through a bit of adversity last year with the injuries we had, so if we can replicate what we did last year in Super League for the cup this season then hopefully it will help us reach Wembley."
Widnes’ last Challenge Cup success came in 1984 when they beat Wigan in the final, but they reached the semi-finals of last year’s competition.
The Vikings are boosted by the return of Hep Cahill from a long-term shoulder injury, while Paddy Flynn is also included in Denis Betts’ squad.
St Helens: Kyle Amor, Travis Burns, Lewis Charnock, Matty Dawson, Mark Flanagan, Matty Fleming, Joe Greenwood, Josh Jones, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Mose Masoe, Mark Percival, Greg Richards, James Roby, Andre Savelio, Adam Swift, Jordan Turner, Alex Walmsley, Luke Walsh, Jon Wilkin.
Widnes Vikings: Patrick Ah Van, Kevin Brown, Hep Cahill, Chris Clarkson, Danny Craven, Chris Dean, Gil Dudson, Paddy Flynn, Danny Galea, Alex Gerrard, Rhys Hanbury, Aaron Heremaia, Willie Isa, Macgraff Leuluai, Manase Manuokafoa, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Jack Owens, Matt Whitley.