St Helens v Wakefield Trinity: Nothing for Trinity to lose as Finn makes return

They beat the prolific Super League leaders 24-20 at Belle Vue in April and bid to complete an unlikely double at the Totally Wicked Stadium tonight.

Saints have only lost twice all year but Wakefield, who have won three of their last four games to ease fears about the Qualifiers, are in confident mood.

“We go there with everything to play for and certainly nothing to lose,” insisted Chester, whose captain Danny Kirmond has been ruled out for three months following knee surgery.

“They have been great this year and are the best side in the competition. But we found a way to beat them that day and we need to replicate that on Friday.

“Last time, our ball control was pretty good and it needed to be but defensively we really got up into their faces. We put them off their stride a little. If you let them play they’ll play both through you and around you.

“In attack, we came up with some great plays as well and we’ll look for more of that.”

Half-back Liam Finn is back in the 17 after being left out for the last four games when Ryan Hampshire was preferred.

The Ireland captain, 34, is out of contract at the end of the season but Chester says he is still in his plans for 2019 – either as a player, coach or maybe even both.

“We gave Finny some time off,” explained the coach, who brings in Chris Annakin for Kirmond.

“He went away for a week with his wife and kids to recharge his batteries when the other lads had a three or four days break.

“He’s in the 17 for Saints and has the chance of another deal.

“He’s doing his coaching badges and we’re looking to find him a role within the coaching structure. He wants to get his teeth into coaching but also put his hand up to play. Whether we can combine the two I’m not sure, but we’ll see.

“Last year Finny was one of the best halves in the comp’ and what he’s brought to us this year has been great, too.

“The last three or four games he did struggle but that’s because of the injuries he’s been carrying.

“He feels refreshed now and has come back a different person, energised again.”