Play-Off Semi-Finals preview

5 Oct 2023

Play-Off Semi-Finals preview

Four teams remain in the 2023 Betfred Super League Play-Offs. The Semi-Finals have arrived and Old Trafford awaits for the two victorious sides. 

After a week off during the Eliminators, Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons enter the Play-Offs - the Warriors host Hull KR following their win against Leigh Leopards last Friday, whilst reigning Champions St Helens travel to the South of France to face the Dragons.

Catalans Dragons v St Helens

Friday 6 October, Stade Gilbert Brutus, Sky Sports Mix & Sky Showcase, 8pm KO

St Helens secured a Play-Off Semi-Final spot after a hard-fought victory against Warrington last Saturday. They must now defend their Super League crown away at Catalans Dragons for a place at the Theatre of Dreams. 

Friday Night will mark the final game for either Sam Tomkins or James Roby - the line up on opposite sides this week and are both set to call time on their glittering careers at the conclusion of their 2023 seasons.

The Dragons have the upper hand over the Saints this year. Steve McNamara's side have defeated the reigning Champions home and away in 2023, but have lost to St Helens in their last two knock out meetings.

Both sides have named strong squads heading into Friday Nights fixture. Catalans make just one change to their squad following their last game a fortnight ago - Siua Taukeiaho comes into the squad in place of Fouad Yaha.

For Saints, Joe Batchelor drops out of the squad after picking up a hamstring injury during last weekends win against Warrington, whilst Dan Norman also drops out. George Delaney has recovered from a head knock to take his place back in the St Helens squad, alongside youngster Matthew Foster.

Catalans Dragons: Arthur Mourge, Tom Davies, Adam Keighran, Tyrone May, Mitchell Pearce, Mike McMeeken, Micky McIlorum, Julian Bousquet, Matt Whitley, Paul Seguier, Ben Garcia, Alrix Da Costa, Romain Navarrete, Tiaki Chan, Arthur Romano, Matt Ikuvalu, Siua Taukeiaho, Jordan Dezaria, Tom Johnstone, Manu Ma'u, Sam Tomkins.

St Helens: Jack Welsby, Tommy Makinson, Will Hopoate, Mark Percival, Jon Bennison, Jonny Lomax, Lewis Dodd, Alex Walmsley, James Roby, Matty Lees, Sione Mata'utia, Morgan Knowles, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Curtis Sironen, James Bell, Ben Davies, Sam Royle, Konrad Hurrell, Matthew Foster, George Delaney, Moses Mbye.

Last 10 meetings:

St Helens 12, Catalans Dragons 14 (SLR19, 13/7/23)

Catalans Dragons 24, St Helens 12 (SLR11, 5/5/23)

Catalans Dragons 20, St Helens 18 (SLR17, 2/7/22)

Catalans Dragons 20, St Helens 36 (CCQF, 9/4/22)

St Helens 28, Catalans Dragons 8 (SLR1, 10/2/22)

Catalans Dragons 10, St Helens 12 (SLGF, 9/10/21) (at Old Trafford, Manchester)

Catalans Dragons 31, St Helens 30 (aet) (SLR23, 4/9/21)(at St James' Park, Newcastle)

St Helens 34, Catalans Dragons 12 (SLR18, 7/8/21)

Catalans Dragons 20, St Helens 16 (SLR7, 22/5/21)

St Helens 48, Catalans Dragons 2 (SLSF, 20/11/20)

Wigan Warriors v Hull KR

Saturday 7 October, DW Stadium, Channel 4 & Sky Sports Arena, 12.45pm KO

Hull KR booked their place in the Semi-Finals thanks to a well earned victory against Leigh at a sold-out Sewell Group Craven Park last Friday. 

Now, Wigan Warriors stand in their way as they look to reach their second major final of 2023. The Warriors ended the year as League Leaders and will go into Saturday's clash with Hull KR as marginal favourites. 

The two sides contested a gripping Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final encounter which could only be separated by a golden point Brad Schneider drop-goal. Matt Peet's side will be out to avenge that defeat as they look to reach their first Grand Final since 2020. 

The Warriors and Robins have met four teams in league and cup this year, with both team finishing victorious twice. 

Wigan make one change to their 21-man squad following their League Leaders' triumph against Leigh two weeks ago. Willie Isa is included for the first time since July, replacing Iain Thornley in the side. 

Warriors skipper Liam Farrell will make his 350th appearance for the club if the selected on Saturday, whilst Liam Marshall will make his 150th Wigan appearance.

Dean Hadley comes into the Robins squad and could make his 200th career appearance in Saturday's Semi-Final. He comes into the side for Sauaso Sue, who drops out through injury.

Wigan Warriors: Jai Field, Bevan French, Toby King, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Cade Cust, Harry Smith, Sam Powell, Willie Isa, Liam Farrell, Morgan Smithies, Kaide Ellis, Kai Pearce-Paul, Joe Shorrocks, Patrick Mago, Brad O'Neill, Abbas Miski, Harvie Hill, Junior Nsemba, Ryan Hampshire, Tyler Dupree.

Hull KR: Ethan Ryan, Tom Opacic, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Ryan Hall, Jordan Abdull, Matt Parcell, George King, Kane Linnett, Elliot Minchella, Jez Litten, Rhys Kennedy, James Batchelor, Matty Storton, Jimmy Keinhorst, Mikey Lewis, Dean Hadley, Louis Senior, Sam Luckley, Yusuf Aydin, Jack Walker, Brad Schneider.

Last 10 meetings:

Wigan 64, Hull KR 6 (SLR21, 4/8/23)

Hull KR 11, Wigan 10 (aet) (CCSF, 23/7/23) (at Headingley, Leeds)

Hull KR 22, Wigan 26 (aet) (SLR13, 25/5/23)

Hull KR 27, Wigan 18 (SLR1, 18/2/23)

Hull KR 38, Wigan 28 (SLR26, 29/8/22)

Wigan 46, Hull KR 4 (SLR21, 28/7/22)

Hull KR 10, Wigan 24 (SLR1, 11/2/22)

Hull KR 26, Wigan 14 (SLR19, 13/8/21)

Wigan 8, Hull KR 18 (SLR10, 18/6/21)

Hull KR 34, Wigan 18 (SLR11, 3/9/20) (at Emerald Headingley, Leeds)

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