Super League 2021 gets under way…

Morgan Knowles #14 of St Helens lifts the trophy as St Helens Celebrate winning the Grand Final

Photo: Mark Cosgrove/News Images

Today sees the start of the rugby league season with a double header at Headingley in Leeds.

The season opener sees 2020’s Grand Final victors St Helens take on the Challenge Cup runners-up Salford Red Devils. Will Saints start the season where they left off? or can Salford who’s under the news leadership of Richard Marshall keep up the momentum of the last few seasons?

Regan Grace #5 of St Helens dives over in the corner for a try

Photo: Mark Cosgrove/News Images.

Tui Lolohea #6 of Salford Red Devils goes in for a try

Photo: Richard Long/News Images.

We will find out at 18:00 when the game kicks-off.

St Helens:

1 Lachlan Coote, 2 Tom Makinson, 3 Kevin Naiqama, 4 Mark Percival, 5 Regan Grace, 6 Jonny Lomax, 7 Theo Fages, 8 Alex Walmsley, 9 James Roby, 10 Matty Lees, 11 Joel Thompson, 12 James Bentley, 14 Sione Mata’utia, 15 Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 16 Kyle Amor, 17 Agnatius Paasi, 18 Jack Welsby, 19 Aaron Smith, 20 Joe Batchelor, 21 Lewis Dodd, 22 Josh Simm.

Head coach: Kristian Woolf.

Salford:

1 Morgan Escare, 2 Ken Sio, 3 Kallum Watkins, 4 Krisnan Inu, 6 Tui Lolohea, 7 Kevin Brown, 8 Lee Mossop, 10 Sebastine Ikahihifo, 11 Ryan Lannon, 12 Pauli Pauli, 13 Elijah Taylor, 14 Danny Addy, 17 Josh Johnson, 19 Elliot Kear, 20 Harvey Livett, 22 Rhys Williams, 23 Dan Sarginson, 24 Matty Costello, 25 Jack Ormondroyd, 26 Jack Wells, 29 Dec Patton.

Head Coach: Richard Marshall.

The second game we will see Super Leagues newbies Leigh Centurions take on the might of the Cherry and Whites, Wigan.

Matty Russell #2 of Leigh Centurions during the game

Photo: Richard Long/News Images.

John Duffy’s news boys will have big boots to fill when they step out on the turf at Headingley after wining the vote to join the Super League after Toronto were given the red light after trying to re-enter the league after pulling out part way though las season due to the Covid pandemic.

Adrian Lam’s starting 21 should get off to a flyer, or will they? I guess we shall see at 20:15 tonight. One thing for sure Wigan have been working hard in pre-season training.

Adrian Lamb Head Coach of Wigan Warriors

Photo: Mark Cosgrove/News Images

Bevan French #6 of Wigan Warriors goes over for a try

Photo: Simon Whitehead/News Images.

Leigh: 3. Iain Thornley, 4. Junior Sa’u, 5. Adam Higson, 6. Ben Reynolds, 7. Jarrod Sammut, 9. Liam Hood, 10. Mark Ioane, 11. Ben Hellewell, 13. Danny Addy, 14. Matty Wildie, 15. Jordan Thompson, 16. Sam Brooks, 18. Tom Spencer, 20. Liam Forsyth, 21. Nick Glohe, 22. Craig Mullen, 23. Callum Field, 25. Cameron Scott, 26. Lewis Bienek, 27. Alex Gerrard, 28. Ryan Shaw.

Head coach: John Duffy

Wigan: 3. Zak Hardaker; 6. Jai Field; 7. Tommy Leuluai; 8. Brad Singleton; 9. Sam Powell; 10. Joe Bullock; 11. Willie Isa; 12. Liam Farrell; 13. John Bateman; 14. Oliver Partingon; 15. Morgan Smithies; 17. Tony Clubb; 19. Liam Byrne; 20. Harry Smith; 21. Ethan Havard; 22. Jake Bibby; 23. Mitch Clark; 25. Joe Shorrocks; 28. Sam Halsall; 29. James McDonnell; 30. Umyla Hanley.

Head Coach: Adrian Lam.

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