The World Club Challenge trophy is set to be paraded around the Wicked Stadium on Friday night as St Helens receive a hero’s welcome on their return from Australia.
The Saints made history by becoming the first English team to lift the World Club Challenge trophy following their dramatic golden point victory over the Penrith Panthers in February. The success has left the Merseyside town in raptures, and a sell-out crowd of 14,000 is expected to attend the homecoming parade as Saints look to continue their winning start to the new Betfred Super League season.
The homecoming will become even more memorable as Captain James Roby tours the Stadium with the trophy at halftime. Paul Wellens, the head coach, is anxious to prevent the carnival atmosphere from detracting from the work at hand. According to Wellens, the team has won a significant award in the first game of the season, which is a bit rare.
“The fans may scream, dance, clap, and cheer all they want, but from us as a playing group, it’s about maintaining consistency and performing well, week in and week out, because that’s what our success in previous years has been based off of.”
The Saints overcame their jet lag to defeat the Castleford Tigers last Sunday, 24-6, and have since been given a boost by the return of winger Tommy Makinson, who had to leave the game Down Under due to a head injury.
Saints will need to be at their best to upset a Leeds Rhinos team eager to get going after their disappointing opening loss at Warrington and tight 22-18 loss to Hull FC last week. The Rhinos are looking to avenge their defeat to the Saints in the Grand Final in September.
They will be boosted by the return of Captain Kallum Watkins who makes his first appearance since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in April. The home side has the upper hand in recent meetings between the sides, having won 14 of the last 16 times the two sides have met, and will be looking to extend this record.
However, the Rhinos are determined to make amends for their disappointing start to the season and will be looking to spoil St Helens’ homecoming party. It promises to be an enthralling encounter at the Wicked Stadium. With the trophy tour set to add extra entertainment to the occasion, it will surely be a night to remember for both supporters.