St Helens drop Long and Albert for play-off

There is still an intriguing possibility, however, that the stand-off, Jason Hooper, could play, despite suffering a dislocated shoulder in the defeat by Leeds last week. If Hooper does not play, it will involve a wholesale reshuffle, because the 18th man, Keith Mason, is a specialist prop. That could mean switching the potential match-winner, Jamie Lyon, to stand-off, a position he last played for his Australian country town club, Wee Waa, more than a year ago.

Bradford are likely to field an unchanged team, with Andy Lynch again likely to miss out after being an ever-present until the play-offs.

Batley will be without their stand-off, Neil Roden, for their National League One Qualifying Final against Dewsbury on Sunday, because he will be at his sister's wedding.

Lee Briers is to captain Wales in the European Nations Cup after missing the last two tournaments through injury.

"Lee was the obvious captain," said the Wales coach, Martin Hall. "He's done really well at Warrington and always excels at international level."

New Zealand have called two British-based players, Wakefield's David Solomona and Motu Tony of Castleford, into their Tri-Nations squad. They replace the injured Benji Marshall and Dene Halatau. Wakefield's Colum Halpenny, has agreed a new, one-year contract with the club.