Potter warns Saints against taking Quins for granted
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Your support makes all the difference.St Helens' coach, Mick Potter, has warned his players not to take Harlequins lightly this afternoon, despite them being rooted to the foot of the Super League table.
"We don't look at the table," insisted Potter, whose side is running third. "Harlequins have suffered badly from injuries this year, which may be the main reason why they're bottom.
"They're getting some players back now, so we can't take anything for granted."
Quins undeniably look stronger in the forwards for the return of players like Rob Purdham, Karl Temata, Danny Ward and Ryan Esders. They also have Kevin Penny, a young winger of genuine pace, in line to make his debut on loan from Warrington.
"This is a massive opportunity for me," said Penny. "I'm looking to get myself back into Super League and I'm grateful that Harlequins have given me this chance."
Saints have had injury problems of their own, with Kyle Eastmond considered doubtful with a dead-leg.
The Catalan Dragons are also struggling near the foot of the table with a badly-depleted side.
They gained a lot of credit, if no league points, from a 34-24 defeat by Leeds on Easter Monday. For the visit of Bradford today, they have Jean-Philippe Baile – such a success at centre last season – back in their squad. Chris Walker also returns after a two-match suspension. The Bulls have Jason Crookes in their squad in France, in place of Stuart Reardon.
The highlight of tomorrow's programme sees Hull, without the injured Sean Long, go to Leeds.
The league leaders, Wigan, have Cameron Phelps and Mark Riddell back in their side at Salford and the young forward, Johnny Walker, in line for a possible debut. Thomas Leuluai misses out with a bruised foot and Stuart Fielden is rested.
Second-placed Warrington are at Hull KR, whilst Crusaders, with the newly-arrived Australian, Rhys Hanbury, in their squad for the first time, might sense the chance of a result at Wakefield.
Brad Drew will wear a Huddersfield shirt for the first time since his return to the club in the close season in this afternoon's reserve game against Castleford.
The 34-year-old hooker has been sidelined with a knee injury since arriving back at the Giants from Wakefield and has not played since last September.
"I didn't want to play first grade and find the knee wasn't quite ready," Drew said. "Hopefully I'll have no problems and I can be back in the first team as quickly as possible."
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