Knockout rugby league at the Totally Wicked Stadium this Friday night (14th March) as St.Helens take on Leeds Rhinos in the Fourth Round of the 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup. The match is scheduled for kick-off at 8pm.
TICKET & ENTRY INFORMATION
The quickest and easiest method of securing your spot at the Totally Wicked Stadium is by purchasing your ticket online by visiting eticketing.co.uk/saintsrlfc. You can secure a digital or ‘Print at Home’ ticket which would not require you to visit the Ticket Office.
Find out more about our stands, ticket prices and Ticket Office hours by clicking here.
📰 SQUAD NEWS
Coach Wellens names an unchanged St.Helens 21-man squad from our last match, with the Saints boss revealing in his pre-match press conference Matty Lees comes back into contention for selection after being rested last week.
Click or tap on the image below to read more about our Challenge Cup squad news!
Brad Arthur will not have scrum-half Matt Frawley after a failed Head Injury Assessment last Saturday. However Leeds have are boosted by the possible returns of winger Ryan Hall and fullback Lachie Miller, who may make his first appearance of the 2025 season.
Both were named in the Rhinos’ squad last week but did not play against Catalans, but Arthur may have them to call upon this week.
Leeds Rhinos’ 21-man squad vs St Helens
1. Lachlan Miller, 3. Harry Newman, 4. Ash Handley, 5. Ryan Hall, 6. Brodie Croft, 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 9. Andy Ackers, 10. Keenan Palasia, 11. James Bentley, 12. James McDonnell, 14. Jarrod O’Connor, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Morgan Gannon, 17. Cooper Jenkins, 18. Jake Connor, 20. Jack Sinfield, 21. Alfie Edgell, 22. Tom Nicholson-Watton, 23. Riley Lumb, 27. Ethan Clark Wood, 28 Jack Smith.
📲 FOLLOW THE GAME WITH SAINTS
Fans not in attendance will be updated in full with the Saints’ Live Match Centre – your hub to find out the team news, follow live game updates, see behind the scenes photos, and click to read all the key stories of the fixture.
St.Helens’ social media accounts will keep supporters up to date of every key moment, so ensure you are following us!
X/Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Highlights and the full match replay will be available for Saints TV subscribers too.
🥤 FOOD & DRINK
The stadium has a number of kiosks located around the concourse, each named after a legendary Saints player or phrase!
These are situated in each stand and serve a variety of hot and cold food, chocolate, crisps, snacks as well as a range of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Please note that for this fixture, the Marching Inn kiosk will be closed for this fixture, however supporters will still be able to visit our Aussie Saints & Kiwi Saints kiosks for food and drink items.
A reminder: Fans are not permitted to bring in any food or drink not purchased on the premises other than bottled water for medical reasons.
🏉 CHALLENGE CUP FOURTH ROUND SCHEDULE IN FULL
Friday
Hull KR vs Oldham – 8pm
Salford Red Devils vs Bradford Bulls – 8pm
Saturday
Widnes Vikings vs Warrington Wolves – 5pm
Wigan Warriors vs Hull FC – 5:45pm
Catalans Dragons vs Featherstone Rovers – 6pm
Sunday
Huddersfield Giants vs Wakefield Trinity – 3pm
Leigh Leopards vs Batley Bulldogs – 3pm
📺 WATCH ON THE SPORTSMAN
One of only two broadcast ties from the Fourth Round of the Challenge Cup, fans can tune into watch the Saints versus the Rhinos live on The Sportsman Rugby League’s YouTube channel for free.
Coverage with The Sportsman starts at 7:45pm on Friday nigh, and below you will find the stream to watch the match.
The Saints welcomed The Sportsman down to our training facility this week to preview the game with Head Coach Paul Wellens, players Jonny Lomax and Daryl Clark, and Assistant Coach Lee Briers – check it out by hitting play below.
WEARING THE RED V
The Saints’ 2025 Home Kit will be worn on Friday night!
Taking centre stage, the iconic Saints crest has been transformed into a futuristic holographic badge and is placed in the centre of the shirt for the first time in 16 years. The shirt has elasticated sleeve cuffs that feature a woven oval SH pattern taken from one of the core elements of the Club crest, with the SH also watermarked into the Red V and on the side panels of the shorts.
Get yours online by visiting saintssuperstore.com! The Saints Superstore at the Totally Wicked Stadium will also be open on game day for you to visit!
🛫 LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT: CROSSBAR CHALLENGE
One lucky Saints 2025 Member at half time on Friday will get the chance to win x2 return flights to Iceland Liverpool John Lennon Airport thanks to PLAY!*
With PLAY you can book your winter escape to Iceland for 2025/26, see the Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon and more of the world’s great natural wonders – book now at flyplay.com
With the eyes of all the Saints faithful in the West Stand watching, the contesting Member will get three attempts to hit the crossbar from the 20m line.
As a Club we are thrilled to be working with Merseyside’s airport for third straight season! *T&C’s apply.
THE RECORD AGAINST LEEDS
Challenge Cup history
St.Helens and Leeds have met 22 times in rugby league’s most historic competition, and the honours are currently even with 11 wins in the Challenge Cup each.
The first time Saints and Leeds met in the Cup was back in 1911 and the two sides have faced off at the showpiece event, the Final itself, in 1972 and 1978 with the Red V winning the ’72 Challenge Cup 13 points to 16 at Wembley.
Previous Challenge Cup meetings
2024 (Round 6) Leeds 6 St Helens 20
2021 (Round 3) St Helens 26 Leeds 18
2015 (Semi-Final) Leeds 24 St Helens 14 (at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington)
2014 (Round 5) Leeds 32 St Helens 12
2010 (Semi-Final) Leeds 32 St Helens 28 (at Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield)
2009 (Round 4) Leeds 18 St Helens 22
2008 (Semi-Final) Leeds 16 St Helens 26 (at Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield)
2004 (Round 5) St Helens 24 Leeds 14
2003 (Semi-Final) Leeds 33 St Helens 26 (after extra-time) (at McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield)
2002 (Semi-Final) Leeds 16 St Helens 42 (at JJB Stadium, Wigan)
2001 (Semi-Final) Leeds 22 St Helens 27 (at JJB Stadium, Wigan)
2000 (Round 5) Leeds 26 St Helens 20
1999 (Round 5) Leeds 24 St Helens 16
1994 (Semi-Final) Leeds 20 St Helens 8 (at Central Park, Wigan)
1992 (Round 2) Leeds 12 St Helens 32
1983 (Round 2) Leeds 13 St Helens 23
1978 (FINAL) Leeds 14 St Helens 12 (at Wembley Stadium)
1977 (Semi-Final) Leeds 7 St Helens 2 (at Central Park, Wigan)
1972 (FINAL) Leeds 13 St Helens 16 (at Wembley Stadium)
1971 (Round 2) Leeds 4 St Helens 0
1930 (Round 2) Leeds 5 St Helens 18
1911 (Round 2) St Helens 6 Leeds 11
Last ten meetings between Saints & Leeds
St Helens 40, Leeds 10 (SLR12, 24/5/24)
Leeds 6, St Helens 20 (CCR6, 22/3/24)
Leeds 8, St Helens 18 (SLR5, 15/3/24)
St Helens 22, Leeds 18 (SLR20, 28/7/23)
Leeds 12, St Helens 13 (aet) (SLR13, 26/5/23)
St Helens 24, Leeds 25 (SLR3, 3/3/23)
Leeds 12, St Helens 24 (SLGF, 24/9/22) (at Old Trafford, Manchester)
St Helens 42, Leeds 12 (SLR16, 23/6/22)
Leeds 0, St Helens 26 (SLR7, 1/4/22)
St Helens 36, Leeds 8 (SLSF, 1/10/21)
💬 COACH PREVIEW
The Saints boss talks about the importance of not only this knockout match, but the competition as it presents an opportunity for our club to get closer to bringing home silverware. We have a proud history in the Challenge Cup, winning the competition 13 times and Wellens and his men are vying for a 14th.
Discussing this being a big game between two of the biggest rugby league clubs, Wellens talks about the Saints’ excitement to run out on the field on Friday night at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Saints TV subscribers can watch Wello’s full Coach Preview!
🤝 MEET THE SAINTS IN THE REDV BAR!
Two First Team Saints will be joining Mike Bennett in the RedV Bar ahead of the match approx 6:45pm!
This is your chance to hear from the players and get the inside scoop before the game. Last week, Konrad Hurrell and Ben Davies offered some brilliant insight for supporters ahead of the match against Hull KR, so don’t miss out!
The RedV Bar will be open with a full range of drinks to enjoy; Stowford Press Original and Mixed Berry, Carling, RedV Smooth, Guniness and Madri all on draught!
⭐ ROBBO READY CUP CLASH WITH RHINOS
After a disappointing week last week against Hull KR, we’ll be looking to take the opportunity to play in a different competition with different stakes, as we look to bounce back from defeat, and progress in the Cup. Leeds on the other hand will also come into the game off a loss away from home against Catalans, and will be looking to put on an improved performance with a quarter final on the line.
Watch the Player Preview with Harry on Saints TV!
🦏 LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT LEEDS…
After a rocky 2024, the Rhinos will desire to push back into the Play-Offs spots under Brad Arthur.
The Australian took over during last season following the exit of Rohan Smith and brought more steel to the Leeds defence. Now after a full pre-season and looking to a full season in charge of the West Yorkshire side, and a number of new players, Leeds are looking to move back up the table.
One of the big names that has joined for Leeds for this season is Ryan Hall, a winger synonymous with the glory years of the Rhinos’ ‘Golden Generation’. The 37-year-old is Super League’s all-time top try scorer and goes back to Headingley after seven years away.
One of Super League’s most discussed players Jake Connor also joined Arthur’s squad from Huddersfield Giants, looking to re-establish himself as one of the best talents in the competition.
Further additions have included big pack men Keenan Palasia and Cooper Jenkins, both joining from Australian clubs, and the powerhouse winger Maiko Sivo – however he has sadly suffered an ACL injury ruling him out for the season. Not wasting any time in getting a replacement with former Sydney Roosters centre Ethan Clark-Wood joining the blue and amber.
It’s been a mixed bag of results so far in the 2025 season for Leeds. Focusing firstly on Super League matters they have two wins from the opening four matches, but they will need to build consistency is they are to challenge at the top or in the play-offs.
Round 1 was a disappointing home defeat to Wakefield, with only a late score improving the scoreline 12-14. In Round 2 with all the discussion of Salford being back at full strength following the salary cap restrictions, Leeds focused on themselves to earn an impressive 6-32 away victory.
Back at home in the third round the Rhinos took their foot of the gas after marching out to a strong lead over Castleford, but the Tigers grabbed a number of late tries themselves to improve the scoreline.
Last week the Rhinos went to Catalans Dragons and lost 11-0, failing to register a point at the home of the Dragons for a third successive. With that stinging in their memory, Leeds will be coming to the home of the Saints highly motivated to improve and progress in the Cup.
Three to watch
- Lachie Miller – yet to feature for the Rhinos so far in 2025 due to injury, but Arthur has sung the praises of the fullback as a key man in his spine. Should Miller play, he would look to inject himself in and make an impact for Leeds quickly in their attack.
- Ryan Hall – whilst the number of tries he has scored always make him a threat, it’s Hall’s early set carries that are vital to getting Leeds going, so Saints need to mind him on both ends of the field
- Ash Handley – co-captain and one of Super League’s fastest men, on an edge you have to be sharp to avoid Handley making a big break
🗣️ WHO WILL BE THE MATCH OFFICIALS?
Liam Moore will be the Referee for Friday night’s fixture, and he will be supported by Touch Judges Matty Lynn and Ryan Cox. There will be no Video Referee for this fixture.
🎒 BAG CHECK
From the 2025 season, personal bags of A5 size or smaller only will be permitted in the Totally Wicked Stadium, and our stewarding staff will check your bags and conduct bag checks upon entry.
Whilst this is a change to what supporters have been used to in the past, the Club’s decision to implement these changes to entering the ground with a bag are to ensure everyone’s security and safety when attending fixtures at the home of the Saints.
With the proposed implementation of The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill legislation, there may be further updates to fans’ gameday experiences in the future, with the priority of creating a safe environment for all.
We kindly ask supporters to please remain patient and be co-operative with our staff, and we thank you for your understanding.
Bags larger than A5 will only be permitted at the discretion of St.Helens R.F.C. staff if containing essentials for babies, or medical purposes and will be subject to being searched before entry. It is advised to provide Medical Exemption Certificates or proof of eligibility for a Medical Exemption Certificate.
O’Neills branded paper bags from the Saints Superstore will be permitted entry, however they too will be subject to bag checks from our stewarding staff.
Bag-Drop Facility
A Bag-Drop area will be set up on match days at the Totally Wicked Stadium for any bags that would not be permitted entry. This will be located in the South East corner of the stadium and will be open from two hours before kick-off and will close one hour after full time.
Please note our Bag-Drop facility will cost £3 per bag, and as a cashless venue only debit or credit cards will be accepted. St.Helens R.F.C. accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of items which are left at the owners’ risk, with all bags subject to a search.
SUPPORTER SAFETY
St.Helens R.F.C. want to ensure that everyone who comes to enjoy game days at the Totally Wicked Stadium can do so in a safe and friendly environment!
The Club would like to reiterate to supporters that it operates a zero-tolerance approach to any anti-social behaviour, at both our own home ground and when visiting other clubs’ stadiums. Misbehaviours that will not be tolerated include, but are not limited to; physical or verbal abuse, violent conduct, missile throwing, excessive alcohol misuse, and any drug misuse.
Furthermore, the use of pyrotechnics is strictly prohibited under both rugby and football ground regulations. They can cause serious injuries to those who carry them as well as fellow spectators, as well as damage to surfaces such as the playing pitch which can cost clubs thousands of pounds.
The Club during recent seasons has taken preventative actions for home fixtures, with additional stewarding and ‘sniffer’ dog patrols around the stadium. Supporters may encounter these dog patrols when approaching the stadium.
St.Helens would also like to encourage parents/guardians of children coming to the ground to ensure they are always aware of what their child is doing and where in the stadium they are at all times.
