Opposition Report - St Helens

Back in Super League action this week, Headingley hosts an exciting double header of Rugby League action as Leeds Rhinos Men and Women's sides take on St Helens in front of the Sky Sports cameras, kick off 5.30pm and 8pm.

Preview our opponents St Helens below:

2023 so far...

Despite a shaky start to Paul Wellens' Super League tenure at St Helens, the club sits in seventh place with a game in hand heading into round 13.

A World Club title against Penrith in February kickstarted the Red Vee's title defence, after they won their fourth consecutive Super League title last year against the Rhinos. Compared to recent seasons though, their five defeats this year matches their total losses during the 2020 and 2021 season; last year they only lost six games over the course of the regular season.

Their drop goal defeat to Leeds at the Totally Wicked Stadium was the first of back to back losses in the league as Leigh Leopards came back from twelve points down to beat Saints at Leigh Sports Village. Soon they were up and running as Hull FC and Huddersfield were both edged out to give Wellens his first wins as Saints coach, before a 38-0 win over Wakefield moved Saints up into fourth place in the league table.

Looking at their last five fixtures, wins over Salford last time out and league leaders Warrington broke up losses to Hull KR, Catalans and Wigan, but still with their game in hand against the Giants, fans can expect the reigning champs to rise up the league standings with much of the season still to be played.

Next five fixtures

Round 14 vs Huddersfield Giants (Magic Weekend, 2.15pm)

Round 15 vs Wigan Warriors (Totally Wicked Stadium, 8pm)

Round 16 vs Hull FC (MKM Stadium, 8pm)

Round 17 vs Castleford Tigers (Totally Wicked Stadium, 8pm)

Round 18 vs Warrington Wolves (Halliwell Jones, 8pm)

Tale of the tape 

Individual stats 

Tries: Jonny Lomax (Six tries)

Goals: Tommy Makinson (14 goals)

Tackles: Matty Lees (390 tackles)

Tackle busts: Jack Welsby (44 tackle busts)

Dummy half runs: James Roby (35 dummy half runs)

Team stats from Round 12 vs Salford Red Devils

5 tries 

234 carries

1377 gained metres

59% possession

77% set completion rate (34 from 44 sets)

6 line breaks

213 tackles

10 errors

*All stats supplied by OPTA

Latest Super League meeting

Last time out in Super League, Saints toppled Salford 26-12 after being 12-6 down at half time.

As James Roby set the record for the most Super League appearances by a single player, Paul Wellens' Saints side bounced back from a tight first half to dominate the Red Devils at the Totally Wicked Stadium; Joe Batchelor, Tommy Makinson, Jonny Lomax, Curtis Sironen and James Bell scoring the tries for the home side.

How to follow the game

Tickets on sale

Leeds Rhinos return to Headingley in a double header of Rugby League action as the Rhinos Women face St Helens before men's side clash in round 13 of the Betfred Super League.

Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 0371 423 1315. Please note that you can't purchase tickets for just the women's game, both games are included in your match ticket for the men's game or membership at no extra cost!

Remember if you book your ticket before midnight this Thursday you can save £3 on the matchday admission price.

TV/Radio broadcast

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