St Helens suffer double blow ahead of Challenge Cup semi-final with Leigh Leopards
James Roby in action for St Helens. Photo by Dean Williams / Alamy Stock Photo.
St Helens will be without veteran captain James Roby and centre Mark Percival for their Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Leigh Leopards next Saturday.
37-year-old hooker Roby was forced from the field in the first half against Catalans Dragons in Super League Round 19, replaced by interchange Joey Lussick.
Centre Mark Percival scored the host’s first of the clash, his sixth of the campaign, just beyond the half hour mark following three penalties for an 8-6 score.
He left the field in the second 40 and did not return in the close 14-12 defeat at the Totally Wicked Stadium to Steve McNamara’s side.
Following the loss, St Helens head coach Paul Wellens spoke to Sky Sports presenter Jenna Brooks about the two injury blows ahead of next week’s clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
“They’re obviously two very important and influential players for us and have been for a long time,” Wellens said.
“They’ve both been pivotal in a lot of the success that we’ve had.
“However, rugby league is here to test you and what we’ll get is a group of players together, 17 bodies who will go to Warrington next week with a big prize at stake and give everything that they’ve got.”
James Roby played in final Challenge Cup game?
Paul Wellens’ side take on Adrian Lam’s impressive Leopards on Saturday, July 22, inside the Halliwell Jones Stadium in the first of the two men’s Challenge Cup semi-finals.
A defeat for the Saints would mean that Roby has played his final game in the prestigious cup competition, having announced that the 2023 season will be his last.
St Helens defeated Championship outfit Halifax Panthers in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup at the Shay Stadium, before claiming a 32-18 victory over Hull FC in the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere in the Challenge Cup semi-finals, Wigan Warriors take on Hull KR at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium on the Sunday, with both games set to be streamed live on the BBC.
In the Women’s Challenge Cup, St Helens face York Valkyrie with a 11:45am kick-off in Warrington as part of the double-header.
Wigan Warriors Women then take on Lois Forsell’s Rhinos before Matt Peet’s side take on the Robins.
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