One of Super League longest rivalries begins another chapter on Friday night as Leeds and St Helens meet at AMT Headingley Stadium, kick off 8pm. Having shared the Grand Final stage and recorded some of the best matches throughout the history of the competition, both the Rhinos and Saints go head to head with an eye on moving up the league table. 

As matchday approaches, find out more about Paul Wellens' Saints side here:

Overview

Name: St Helens 

Founded: 1873

Seasons in Super League: 29

Head Coach: Paul Wellens

Club Captain: Jonny Lomax

Last three season finishes: 2023 = 3rd, 2022 = 1st, 2021 = 2nd

Best SL finish: First (1996, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2022

Grand Final appearances: 15 appearances, 10 wins

Most career appearances: James Roby (531 games)

Most career tries: Tom van Vollenhoven (392 tries)

Most career points: Kel Coslett (3,413 points)

So far in 2024...

2023 was the first season since 2018 that St Helens wasn't involved in the post-season Grand Final finale, and the club have reacted by making a quick start to 2024.

Eyes were firmly set on the upcoming season when England international Jack Welsby committed to a long-term deal, fending away interest from the NRL, and new faces Matt Whitley, Daryl Clark and Waqa Blake came into the fold. Blake's arrival in the wake of Will Hopoate's retirement completed the Saints team for this season as the former Parramatta Eels man brought NRL experience to Wellens' back line.

Saints resumed their place at the top of the league table with three wins from their opening three games, kicking off with a resounding 40-4 result against London Broncos in the season opener, before holding Huddersfield Giants scoreless the following week.

A tight 12-4 win over Leigh at home put the Red Vee clear at the top as the only team to start with three wins, but last week's 24-20 defeat to Salford has seen them drop six points to sit level with Wigan, Catalans, Warrington, Salford and Leeds.

Squad

Ones to Watch

Jack Welsby

Having committed to a long-term deal at the club, Welsby cemented his future in red and white for four more seasons. A product of the club's Academy, the full back is one of the premier players in the league alongside Jonny Lomax and Lewis Dodd, and he already leads the Saints in tries, line breaks, carries and tackle breaks. 

Matt Whitley

Back rower Matt Whitley hasn't skipped a beat since moving back to the UK from Catalans for this season. Under Steve McNamara, he was a key figure in the Dragons pack that lifted the League Leaders' Shield in 2021 and featured in both Grand Final outings. This season, he already has three tries under his belt.

Alex Walmsley

Walmsley is the focal point of the Saints forward attack and has already become a front runner for meters after four rounds. Having been with the club throughout their last decade of success, the forward is helping develop the next generation too in Jake Wingfield and George Delaney, alongside hitting defensive lines with partner in crime Matty Lees.

Fixtures

Round Five - Leeds Rhinos (AMT Headingley, KO 8pm)

Round Six - Wigan Warriors (Totally Wicked Stadium, KO 3pm)

Round Seven - Catalans Dragons (Stade Gilbert Brutus, KO 8.15pm)

Round Eight - Hull FC (Totally Wicked Stadium, KO 8pm)

Round Nine - Huddersfield Giants (Totally Wicked Stadium, KO 8pm)

Stats Performers

Tries: Jack Welsby (4 tries)

Try Assists: Jonny Lomax (4 try assists)

Carries: Jack Welsby (69 carries)

Metres: Alex Walmsley (465 metres)

Tackles: Daryl Clark (124 tackles)

Post Contact Metres: Curtis Sironen (277 metres)

Tackle Breaks: Jack Welsby (19 breaks)

Offloads: Curtis Sironen (10 offloads)

Last Super League match

Get your tickets for Friday's game!

Be at AMT Headingley next Friday night to see the Rhinos take on St Helens in round four of the Betfred Super League, kick off 8pm.

The match will see the Rhinos celebrate the life and career of Lewis Jones as two heavyweights of the Super League competition go head to head.

Ticket prices start at £25 for adults, £20 for concessions and £13 for juniors, with prices rising by £3 on matchdays.

To buy tickets go to tickets.therhinos.co.uk or call the ticket office on 0371 423 1315. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (excluding Bank Holidays). Tickets also available to purchase from Leeds Rhinos Club Shop at AMT Headingley Stadium (CLICK HERE to check opening hours before travelling).