Saints v Warriors - Teams

Wellens: shock inclusion

It should be a full house, a great atmosphere, and I'm looking forward to the match.

Mick Potter
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Paul Wellens could make a surprise return after being included in St Helens' initial 19-man squad for Friday's engage Super League match against Wigan Warriors.

Wellens broke his hand in the loss to Wakefield on July 17 and was expected to be sidelined for around a month.

Winger Ade Gardner is also available again after overcoming illness.

The returning pair ease a lengthy Saints injury list that includes senior players Sean Long, Jason Cayless, Maurie Fa'asavalu and James Roby.

Youngsters Gareth Wheeler and Jonny Lomax are also sidelined while prop Bryn Hargreaves misses out with mumps.

"We're evenly matched and both teams will be ready to give it their best," said St Helens coach Mick Potter.

Atmosphere

"I'm very glad it's at Knowsley Road and hopefully the home crowd can help us out a bit.

"It should be a full house, a great atmosphere, and I'm looking forward to the match."

Phil Bailey faces a fitness race to feature for the Warriors at Knowsley Road.

The Australian second rower suffered a dead leg in the victory over Bradord on July 19.

He missed last week's victory over Super League leaders Leeds and, despite being named in Brian Noble's 19-man squad, remains a doubt.

Club captain Sean O'Loughlin, Tim Smith and Michael McIlorum all remain sidelined but George Carmont is available after shrugging off a shoulder injury.

"We're looking similar to last week," said Wigan coach Brian Noble. "Phil Bailey will be checked tomorrow (Friday) but he's the only person we might have back."

St Helens squad: Wellens, Gardner, Gidley, Meli, Pryce, Cunningham, Graham, Gilmour, Wilkin, Flannery, Puletua, Clough, Eastmond, Dean, Dixon, Ashurst, Armstrong, Emmitt, Johnson

Wigan squad: Roberts, Goulding, Carmont, Richards, Leuluai, Fielden, Riddell, Paleaaesina, Bailey, J. Tomkins, Coley, Hansen, Prescott, Pryce, Phelps, Gleeson, Mossop, S. Tomkins, Flanagan