Play-off preview | Saints v Rhinos
30 Sep 2021
Team news
St Helens welcome a host of big names back into their squad ahead of Friday's Play-off semi-final against the Rhinos.
Lachlan Coote, Tommy Makinson, Kevin Naiqama, Mark Percival, James Roby, Morgan Knowles and Joe Batchelor all return, whilst Agnatius Paasi is also included after serving his two-match suspension.
Sione Mata'utia has shrugged off an injury after leaving the field during their last home outing in Round 24.
The Rhinos are unchanged following their Play-off eliminator victory away at Wigan last week. Alex Mellor is again included and could feature for the Rhinos after being out for a seemingly season-ending injury since Round 16.
St Helens: Lachlan Coote, Tommy Makinson, Kevin Naiqama, Mark Percival, Regan Grace, Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley, James Roby, Matty Lees, Joel Thompson, Morgan Knowles, Sione Mata’utia, LMS, Kyle Amor, Agnatius Paasi, Jack Welsby, Aaron Smith, Joe Batchelor, Lewis Dodd, Jake Wingfield, Ben Davies.
Leeds Rhinos: Tom Briscoe, Harry Newman, Konrad Hurrell, Ash Handley, Rob Lui, Mik Oledzki, Kruise Leeming, Matt Prior, Alex Mellor, Rhyse Martin, Zane Tetevano, Brad Dwyer, Richie Myler, Cameron Smith, Tom Holroyd, King Vuniyayawa, Bodene Thompson, Luke Briscoe, James Donaldson, Jack Broadbent, Morgan Gannon.
Head to head
Last 10 meetings
Saints 40 - 6 Rhinos (SLR24, 10/9/21)
Saints 26 – 18 Rhinos (CCR3, 10/4/21)
Saints 40 – 8 Rhinos (SLR17, 23/10/20)
Rhinos 0 – 48 Saints (SLR8, 9/8/20)
Rhinos 20 – 36 Saints (SLR26, 15/8/19)
Saints 36 - 10 Rhinos (SLR19, 21/6/19)
Saints 27 – 22 Rhinos (SLR3, 22/2/19)
Rhinos 22 – 23 Saints (SLR18, 15/6/18)
Saints 20 – 28 Rhinos (SLR6, 16/3/18)
Rhinos 16 – 14 Saints (SLS8-R3, 18/8/17)
Super League summary
St Helens have won 40 (includes wins in 1999, 2001, 2007 and 2008 play-offs).
Leeds Rhinos have won 32 (includes wins in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 Grand Finals; 1998, 2005, 2013 and 2015 play-offs).
Last 6 games
Key players
Alex Walmsley
Alex Walmsley displayed one of the most dominant performances from a prop forward in the Super League era when these two sides met in Round 24. The front rower ran for 275 metres from 23 carries, made 13 tackle busts, 4 clean breaks and scored and set up a try for good measure. He was unplayable. Perhaps most impressive was his effort to chase back a Rhinos break in the final minute despite being 40-6 ahead – a true warrior.
80th minute, 40-6 ahead, a huge 275 metres gained from @Saints1890's Alex Walmsley
Then he does this 🤯💪 #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/oZl5EqnqNC
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 13, 2021
He is undoubtedly the best prop forward in the league and will have a target on his back this Friday. Leeds’ impressive forward pack will look to nullify the threat of Walmsley to try and enable the Rhinos to control St Helens’ attack. And Walmsley will be up for the challenge. Expect more hard running, tackle busting, super-human efforts from Big Al in the Semi-Final on Friday Night.
James Roby
Big games require big game players. The irrepressible James Roby is one those. He won the Harry Sunderland Trophy in last year’s Grand Final and is the heartbeat of the Saints side. His no-nonsense forward pack rely on the smarts and experience of Roby to guide them round the pitch and free up more space for their devastating back line.
After a week off, Roby will be fresh and raring to go. It will come as no surprise to see him top the tackle count tomorrow night and have an input in every facet of the game. His kicking from dummy half, ability to tie up the markers and allow his forwards to get behind the Rhinos ruck, along with his cool, calm and collected persona will be vital for a Saints triumph. And, if that wasn't enough - Roby will move into standalone third place on the all time appearance makers in Super League on Friday Night - a modern day great.
2019 champions 🏆
2020 champions 🏆
Can @Saints1890 complete the 'three-peat' in 2021? 💪
This is the story of their success 🔥👇#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/qReUngCI3U
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 29, 2021
Mikolaj Oledzki
Oledzki was absent from the Rhinos team that were stampeded by St Helens three weeks ago. Leeds were outplayed in every department – particularly through the middle – and will need to be much improved on Friday Night. Oledzki’s inclusion after an injury layoff will help. The talented front rower has been impressive this year and will solidify the Rhinos middle third to help prevent a St Helens onslaught.
In attack, he will be tasked with fronting up against a mean St Helens defence. Oledzki is a fearless ball carrier and will be vital in setting the tone for the Rhinos. A player that has really come of age in 2021, this semi-final is an opportunity for him to impose himself even further. Knock out games are made for stars like Oledzki – and you can expect him to do everything within his power to make a statement.
Oledzki 😤
A big shift from the @leedsrhinos prop forward last night 💪#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/tGCJMCvvO3
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 16, 2021
Harry Newman
Harry Newman has the X factor. At just 21 years of age, he has already established himself as a mainstay in the Rhinos back line. Even at such a young age, he is a fierce competitor. He exuberates passion on the rugby field. His talent is matched by grit and determination – no more so evident than seeing how quickly he has regained his form following a prolonged layoff after a horrific leg injury.
Newman carried for over 200 metres against Wigan last week – putting his hand up for the Rhinos in a low-scoring battle. His defence was equally as impressive. Newman’s right edge was impregnable – he gave international centre Oliver Gildart no room to breath all evening. The Rhinos will need a similar, warrior like performance from Newman on Friday Night – and perhaps some dazzle to break a resolute St Helens defence.
Strength and skill 😤🔥
Harry Newman was at his best during Dacia #MagicWeekend 👏#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/O6fnCk9xyT
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 8, 2021
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