Match Preview: Warrington Wolves (H)

It’s a jam-packed match night at the Home of the Saints!

We are hosting a double header with our Academy up first at 5:15pm, followed by the main event with Saints versus Wolves in Super League at 8pm. Before kick-off though, we are hosting a celebration of the ten Super League titles that the Club has won since the inaugural season in 1996, with special guests and representatives from some of the legendary teams present to take part!

Plus, we are lighting up the ground with a brand-new fan led phone lightshow, in which fans lead the way by using their smartphone to create a spectacular display not seen before at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Here’s all you need to know with our Match Preview…

😇 ACADEMY UP FIRST

The Saints’ Under 18s have their first competitive match of the new Academy Championship season taking place as a curtain raiser on Friday! Our young Saints are aiming high after three successive seasons of finishing top of the regular season table and falling just agonisingly short of winning the Academy Grand Final in back-to-back years last autumn.

Get yourself down to the early, support our young Saints and cast an eye at some future of our club’s future stars!

Turnstiles will open at 4:45pm, with the Saints Academy vs Wolves Academy kicking off at 5:15pm.

 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.

💡 A FAN-TASTIC LIGHT SHOW AWAITS

Together, we are going to LIGHT UP THE TOTALLY WICKED STADIUM!

A fan-led phone light-show, where the Saints faithful will create together a spectacular display, in association with club partner Critical Business Solutions (CBS).

All you need to do is follow some steps to get your phone setup before the game – then you’re good to be part of our exciting display!

• No phone signal will be needed
• You can download the app or follow our guide before coming to the ground on Friday night
• Open when prompted on match night at the stadium

CLICK HERE – to find out how you can be part of our fan-led light show and follow the easy guide!

📰 SQUAD NEWS

Kyle Feldt and Joe Batchelor come out of our squad due to Feldt requiring surgery whilst Batchelor follows Head Injury protocols. Jake Burns is the third Saint to step out of the squad.

In come Ben Davies, George Whitby and Dayon Sambou, and should Sambou feature for the Red V it would mark his official St.Helens debut.

Click or tap on the image below to read more about our Round 5 squad news!

Warrington have added their new signing Marc Sneyd into their 21-man squad selection after agreeing to a transfer fee with Salford Red Devils to bring him in.

The Wolves are boosted too by the returns of fullback Matt Dufty, winger Matty Ashton, centre Toby King and back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon, after the four have missed the last couple of fixtures. Outside back Aaron Lindop is also available after following HIA protocols.

Warrington Wolves 21-man squad vs St.Helens

1. Matt Dufty, 2. Josh Thewlis, 3. Toby King, 4. Rodrick Tai, 5. Matty Ashton, 6. George Williams, 8. James Harrison, 9. Danny Walker, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Ben Currie, 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon, 14. Sam Powell, 15. Joe Philbin, 16. Zane Musgrove, 19. Stefan Ratchford, 21. Adam Holroyd, 24. Max Wood, 26. Dan Russell, 31. Alfie Johnson, 33. Arron Lindop, 35. Marc Sneyd.

🌏🏆 WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE SHIRT RAFFLE

Fancy owning a piece of Saints history and supporting our next-gen Saints stars?

As part of our fundraising efforts for the ASW Solicitors 2026 Australia St.Helens Academy Tour, we are raffling a signed and framed 2023 World Club Challenge shirt. The draw will be made at half time of Friday night’s match!

How can I get raffle tickets for this draw? 

Members of our Saints Scholarship squad and Club Volunteers will be around the concourses at the Totally Wicked Stadium on match night with raffle books, accepting card and cash payments.

Our Stadium Reception from Tuesday (18th March) until Thursday (20th March) during opening hours will be accepting supporters who wish to secure their raffle tickets in advance of game day – this will be card only though.

• £5 – a strip of five tickets
• £10 – x3 strips of five tickets (15 tickets total)

You can support the 2026 Tour by purchasing raffle tickets, with three star prizes to be won!

• 1st Prize – 2023 signed and framed World Club Challenge shirt
• 2nd Prize – A 2019 signed Tommy Makinson match-worn away shirt
• 3rd Prize – A 2025 St.Helens First Team signed ball

The holders of winning tickets are asked to please visit the Stadium Reception with your ticket.

💬 COACH PREVIEW

The big news however coming out of Wellens’ press conference this week was Kyle Feldt requiring surgery on a hand injury which may keep him unavailable for up to 12 weeks. There was a little more positive news though for Mark Percival, who came off during the game in our win over Leeds last time out, as he was running early this week with our physio staff.

Knowing there is plenty of fire in this local rivalry, Coach Wellens knows to expect Warrington upping their game and bringing their best.

Saints TV subscribers can watch Wello’s full Coach Preview!

🤝 MEET 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. At our last Super League game, Konrad Hurrell and Ben Davies offered some brilliant insight for supporters ahead of the match against Hull KR, so don’t miss out this interesting pre-match discussion ahead of Friday’s game against Warrington.

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.

🎒 BAG CHECK

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.

🛫 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 Ryanair or Aer Lingus*, with tickets to Guinness Storehouse too!

See the highlights of Dublin in one day with a trip! Book now at ryanair.com or AerLingus.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.

*T&C’s apply.

 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.

 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.

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!

 WHO WILL BE THE MATCH OFFICIALS? 

Chris Kendall will be the Referee for Friday night’s fixture, and he will be supported by Touch Judges Mark Craven and Warren Turley, as well as Video Referee Liam Moore at Rugby League’s remote refereeing base.

🥤 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.

Check out a full rundown of our Food & Drink offerings by clicking on the image below!

Please note: Fans are not permitted to bring in any food or drink not purchased on the premises other than bottled water for medical reasons.

❤️ HELP WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE

Willowbrook Hospice operate ten shops around the St Helens and Knowsley area and they are vital to raising vital income to the local, independent charity that provides to our local community, specialist palliative care for patients with complex needs.

At the moment, the Hospice is in need of more Men’s clothing items due to a shortage, so the Saints are lending our support!

Donations will be welcome via a Willowbrook Hospice van that will be located outside the ground.

If you are a Saints fan that will be having a spring clear out, please consider donating any of your unwanted, good quality Men’s clothing items to Willowbrook Hospice through their shops or at our two upcoming home matches. You can find the nearest shop to you and all locations by clicking here.

THE RECORD AGAINST WIRE

Super League summary

The Saints have a strong foothold in the head-to-head record against Warrington, winning 58 of the meetings (including wins in 2010, 2012 and 2023 play-offs), whilst Wolves have won 19, and honours have been shared in a draw only twice.

Our highest score and widest winning margin over Warrington came in a 2002 home game.

Last ten meetings

Warrington 23, St Helens 22 (SL-E, 28/9/24)
Warrington 16, St Helens 2 (SLR25, 7/9/24)
St Helens 10. Warrington 24 (SLR18, 19/7/24)
St Helens 8. Warrington 31 (CCQF, 14/4/24)
St Helens 16, Warrington 8 (SL-E, 30/9/23)
Warrington 6, St Helens 18 (SLR26, 15/9/23)
Warrington 20, St Helens 24 (SLR18, 7/7/23)
St Helens 28, Warrington 6 (SLR10, 20/4/23)
Warrington 10, St Helens 12 (SLR13, 19/5/22)
St Helens 28, Warrington 2 (SLR5, 11/3/22)
Warrington 14, St Helens 24 (SLR22, 30/8/21)

🐺 A LOOK AT THE WOLVES

Sam Burgess has got Warrington Wolves howling for silverware success once again. But will it be their year?

Last season was a renaissance for Wire being more competitive following two tough years which saw Daryl Powell depart the Club during 2023 and just squeezing into the Play-Offs. Fast forward and the Wolves in 2024 reached Wembley for the Challenge Cup Final but lost and the Super League Semi-Finals but also came up short.

So their aim is clear; go one better, in either competition.

Losing the likes of Matty Nicholson, Josh Drinkwater and John Bateman from their squad, heading into 2025 Burgess brought in a handful of new faces. Oli Leyland, the standout performer from London Broncos last season, PNG international back-row Dan Russell from St George Illawarra Dragons, and Alfie Johnson an outside from Leeds, who has also played Union 7s for England and Great Britain.

However, their headline recruitment came after five weeks into the season, with Salford Red Devils and their much publicised financial concerns they agreed to a transfer fee with Warrington for Marc Sneyd’s services. The veteran scrum-half is highly likely to make his Wolves debut on Friday night against the Saints.

Sneyd joins a team full of quality, joining George Williams in the halves, as well as Matt Dufty and Danny Walker in the spine. No doubt he will be aiming to kick the ball high and ahead for Toby King or Matty Ashton too.

This season has been a mixed bag for the Wolves so far, starting off with a strong away win over League One side Whitehaven in the Challenge Cup. Their Betfred Super League campaign began over at Huddersfield Giants, who despite a whole host of injuries gave the Wire a battle before falling to a 12-20 defeat. Burgess’ opening home game was another close affair edging past Catalans 18-12 before heading over to Las Vegas.

A showpiece event for the sport of rugby league over in the United States of America saw plenty of media coverage and attention for both Warrington and Wigan, but it was the Warriors who came away the happier. A clinical performance saw the current league champions put Wire to the sword 42-0, however, they did strike back though with four tries in the final fifteen minutes but the result was never in question.

Coming back home, the Wolves welcomed Super League’s promoted team Wakefield to their home and Daryl Powell, the former Wire boss, got to revel in a strong Trinity performance winning 16-30.

Warrington did confirm their spot in the last eight of the Challenge Cup last week to get back to winning ways, coming from behind to beat local rivals Widnes Vikings, 16-26. The draw saw the Saints get pulled to go away to Warrington in fortnight, setting up three matches between the Red V and the Wolves before the end of April.

The Saints will be desperate to right some wrongs from last season against Warrington, having lost all four meetings between the two clubs in 2024 – similar to how St.Helens did so in 2023. There’s not much more motivation needed beyond that, as this heated rivalry write it’s next chapter on Friday night.

🏉 THE REST OF ROUND FIVE

Thursday

Salford Red Devils vs Huddersfield Giants – 8pm

Friday

Wakefield Trinity vs Hull FC – 8pm

Saturday

Castleford Tigers vs Catalans Dragons – 3pm
Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors – 5:30pm

Sunday

Hull KR vs Leigh Leopards 3pm

Take a look at how the Betfred Super League table looks ahead of Round 5 by clicking here.