UNBEATEN Saints are expected to go with the same 17 that beat Huddersfield when they again cross the Pennines on Friday night.

In a top of the table clash coach Justin Holbrook reckons Castleford will provide the toughest challenge yet.

And his side must produce their season’s best to emerge from the Jungle with their 100 per cent record intact.

Holbrook said: “We are expecting a really hard game at Castleford.

“We have got to play better this week than what we have this year.

“Cas are playing better this year than last season, when they played well and finished third.

“This year they are playing better in defence and attack and we are expecting a tough game.”

There will be a duel of sorts between the two number nines - James Roby and Paul McShane, currently one and two on the Steve Prescott Man of Steel leaderboard.

The versatile dummy half has taken on an even greater role pulling the strings in the side this year after linchpin Luke Gale was ruled out for the season.

“McShane is probably their main playmaker and really important to their side.

“It will be a real good battle with the number nines, and be good for the viewers,” Holbrook said.

There have been some epic tussles at the Jungle since Holbrook arrived here, with Tigers edging a play-off classic in 2017, but Saints getting the upper hand last term.

Holbrook reckons that could add a touch more motivation to Daryl Powell’s side.

“We got over them a bit last year, which was good.

“But that will make them even hungrier this year and we are aware of that and are expecting a really hard game on Friday.

“It is a hard place to play because of that short pitch but it is also a good place because the atmosphere is so brilliant there.

“Everyone is crammed in and is right on top of you,” Holbrook said.

Holbrook will select his 17 from: 1. Jonny Lomax, 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Kevin Naiqama, 4. Mark Percival, 5. Regan Grace, 6. Theo Fages, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. James Roby, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Zeb Taia, 12. Joseph Paulo, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 15. Morgan Knowles, 16. Kyle Amor, 17. Dom Peyroux, 19. Matty Lees, 20. Jack Ashworth, 21. Aaron Smith, 23. Lachlan Coote.