SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook may have named the same 19-man squad ahead of tonight’s Betfred Super League semi-final clash against Castleford, but the playing line up will change from the side that beat Salford.
Holbrook has already confirmed that Jonny Lomax, who missed the Salford game with a leg muscle strain, returns to stand off.
But his next puzzle was who to put in at scrum half beside him.
Although Danny Richardson has had the number seven shirt for the past three wins against Wakefield, Huddersfield and Salford, Matty Smith produced a commanding stint at the back end of last Thursday's clash to stake his claim.
It does leave Holbrook with a genuine headache - the energy of youth and the experienced hand on the tiller from the player with Grand Final experience.
Of the four halves, one will miss out altogether – and Holbrook may opt for Theo Fages versatility for a bench spot alongside big men Dominique Peyroux, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Alex Walmsley.
Changing the halves so frequently, particularly since Ben Barba's arrival at full back, does not concern Holbrook at this stage.
He explained: “The changes we have made have not been to try and settle them in but it has been a case of simply trying to pick the best 17 to beat the opposition.
“We have the luxury of having four quality halves here, so rather than seeing it as changing again, I think it is for a reason and I would be confident in any two of those four.
“We will pick our best combination for this week.”
Tonight's game kicks off 15 minutes earlier than normal - at 7.45pm.
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