Saints needing points to make bid for top four
Carlos Tuimavave (ankle), who were included in the 19-man squad last week but missed out, are both in contention to make a return.
Wakefield have only made one change from the side that narrowly lost 18-16 to St Helens.
Former Giants hooker Kyle Wood returns from injury to come into the 19.
Wakefield Trinity’s Dean Hadley has been handed a one match ban having taken an early guilty plea.
Hadley will miss tomorrow night’s Super 8s clash at Hull FC after being charged with dangerous contact in Trinity’s 18-16 defeat against St Helens in the fifth round of matches.
Workington Town’s Macauley Davies has been handed a onematch ban for a high tackle, while Featherstone Rovers’ Josh Walters and Louis Anderson of Catalans Dragons face no further action.
James Tedesco has sprung a surprise by out-polling Cameron Smith to be named the Rugby League Players’ Association player of the year.
The Wests Tigers fullback was named the best player by his peers in a shock result, beating finalists Smith, 2016 winner North Queensland’s James Taumalolo, Sam Burgess, Nathan Cleary, Tom Trbojevic and Gareth Widdop.
Despite his side failing to make the finals, Tedesco was announced as the winner of the game’s second most prestigious individual award at the awards night at The Star in Sydney.
Smith, who last weekend passed Darren Lockyer’s all-time most games record when he ran out for his 356th match, was considered a shooin. ST HELENS host Huddersfield Giants on Friday knowing they must grab both points if they want to continue their push for a top four spot.
“We know we have to win our next two games, but you would expect to do that if you want to be in the semi-finals,” said Saints head coach Justin Holbrook.
“Our last home game has come around quickly and it would be great for the boys to put in a good performance for the fans.
“We want to play well to thank them for their support this year.”
Saints kept their hopes alive with an 18-16 victory against fellow top four aspirants Wakefield Trinity in round five.
“The Wakefield game is something for us to build on and if we keep winning we put ourselves in a good place.
“We panicked a bit in the second half and tried to get the instant win which was hard to do in tough conditions. In the end our patience showed and we scored two tries to win the game.
“I didn’t think we earned the right to get many chances but we did in the end,” added Holbrook.
“We need to string wins together and see what happens. Huddersfield have dangerous players and we have to do a good job on those key players.”
Saints came through the Trinity test in good health and Holbrook says he isn’t expecting to make many changes.
“We might make a couple of changes; young Matty Lees went well in his first game but it is a hard ask for him to step up every week as he is young,” he continued.
“Theo Fages picked up an ankle injury but should be fine by the end of the week, Ryan (Morgan) should be ok to come back in too.
“Kyle Amor was really disappointed not to be in the side – he just has to keep working hard to get back in.
“Benny (Barba) will be better for his second run. He has played two games and everyone has played around 28. You can see the quality in him, but it will take a few more games to get the consistency – I’d rather have him here than not.” Leeds Rhinos v Salford Red Devils (8pm), St Helens v Huddersfield Giants (8pm) Hull KR v Catalans Dragon (8pm, Sky), Leigh Centurions v Halifax (8pm)
Blackbrook v Castleford Lock Lane, Hull Dockers v Normanton Knights, Hunslet Parkside v Shaw Cross Sharks, Milford Marlins v Ince Rose Bridge, Underbank Rangers v Featherstone Lions, York Acorn v Hunslet Warriors (all 2.30pm) Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers (3pm) Featherstone Rovers v Warrington Wolves (3pm) Batley Bulldogs v Sheffield Eagles (3pm), Bradford Bulls v Rochdale Hornets (3pm), Oldham v Dewsbury Rams (3pm)