St Helens full-back Paul Wellens insists that their Super League qualifying semi-final clash with Leeds is almost too close to call.
St Helens v Leeds, Friday 28th September, live on Sky Sports 1, 7.30pm.
St Helens full-back Paul Wellens insists that their Super League qualifying semi-final clash with Leeds is almost too close to call.
Saints are rated as odds-on favourites to complete back-to-back clean sweeps after already claiming the Challenge Cup and finishing top of the table again this season.
However, the Rhinos finished just a single point behind Saints in the table this season and have beaten the champions twice this term, including a thriller at Knowsley Road in July.
Wellens, the current Super League Man of Steel, insists that it will be a tight contest when the two clash on Friday for a place in the Grand Final.
"We've failed to beat them this year, which probably gives us added motivation to go out and perform well," said Great Britain full-back Wellens.
"They ran away with the game at Headingley towards the end but, not to make any excuses, we had a few players out, while the game at Knowsley Road could have gone either way.
"There is not much to choose between the two teams. Probably Leeds took their opportunities a little bit better on the night and it will be a similar story.
"Both teams will get opportunities and it's whoever remains the calmest under pressure that takes those opportunities who will probably go through to the Grand Final.
"We know they're a great side, we've played them enough over the last couple of years to recognise that fact.
"It's going to be a very tough game but it's one that we're looking forward to."
Big players
Wellens says the return of talismanic scrum-half Sean Long, along with prop Nick Fozzard, will be a huge boost for the big game.
"Sean is vitally important for us," he said. "Jon Wilkin is one of the best back rowers in the country and he's been playing at seven, so it would be a massive boost for the team if Sean is back.
"Nick Fozzard has been our stand-out front rower throughout the season. One thing we have based our success on over the last couple of years has been the go-forward provided by the likes of Foz, Jason Cayless, Maurie Fa'asavalu and James Graham.
"We certainly believe when they're all playing there is no better front row combination in Super League.
"Foz is someone who never takes a backwards step. He is always willing to carry the ball forward, even under the toughest of circumstances.
"He's the type of player you need in your side if you are to be successful and it's a boost to have him back as well."
