Long return keeps Saints on course for first-place finish
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.St Helens can come close to guaranteeing themselves the League Leaders' Trophy and the advantages of going into the Super League play-offs in first place if they win at Headingley today.
Victory over Leeds will give Saints a six-point lead with six matches left. It would not be an impossible gap to close, but it would be unlikely in view of Saints' consistency this season.
Their coach, Daniel Anderson, has complained about the disruption caused by Great Britain training this week, but he is likely to have Sean Long back. Francis Meli is still out.
Leeds have Kevin Sinfield back after he missed last week's shock 31-30 loss to Castleford with a dead leg. Gareth Ellis also returns after being rested.
The newly-installed Harlequins coach, Brian McDermott, is likely to give a debut to one of his two new signings today, with Paul Noone in the squad to face Hull, the third-placed side from whom Anderson fears a late run.
Hull will be without Gareth Raynor and Garreth Carvell and the previously ever-present Paul Cooke, who has had an operation to remove a kidney stone. His absence will give the highly-rated teenage half-back Tommy Lee a chance to start.
Richard Horne, having equalled a 91-year-old Hull record by scoring in an 11th consecutive game last weekend, can set a new mark if he scores today.
Against Salford, the Catalans Dragons are set to give a first appearance to the prop, Matthieu Griffi, they signed this week from their sister club UTC.
Salford will be coached by James Lowes - the man Wakefield approached this week about taking on the task of steering them away from relegation - because of the absence of Karl Harrison with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
David Gower, the British-qualified back-row forward signed from the Australian club Wests Tigers, is in the Reds squad for the first time.
Wigan have farmed out yet another player as they juggle with their salary cap, the centre Sean Gleeson joining Widnes, initially on a month's loan.
Wigan are at Warrington tomorrow and can further improve their survival chances with a win, while the winners of the match between Huddersfield and Castleford will surely be safe.
Gleeson could make a debut against Hull Kingston Rovers, unbeaten in National League One but still stinging from their defeat by Leigh in last Sunday's Northern Rail Cup final.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments