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Rugby League

Wilkin set for derby-day return

02/05/2007

Super League champions St Helens have been boosted by the news that Great Britain second row Jon Wilkin could be fit to return for their next game.

Saints play arch-rivals Wigan Warriors on Saturday at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and Wilkin had been in doubt for the match after breaking his hand in an Easter fixture between the two a month ago.

However the news on the international star is good and Wilkin will be included in the squad for the match, which will be played straight after the highly-touted Hull FC against Hull Kingston Rovers match in the 'Millennium Magic' rugby league weekend.

"Jon Wilkin will be in the 20-man squad and we'll make a decision on him later in the week," said St Helens coach Daniel Anderson, who noted that Wilkin would be a direct replacement for another injury victim, Mike Bennett.

Wilkin said it would be "fantastic" to get back in time for the match, which is a repeat of the 2004 Challenge Cup final – also played in Cardiff.

"Walking around the stadium last week brought back memories of 2004 - we got a good result against Wigan that day," he reminisced, but added that the Warriors' challenge this season would be a far sterner test.

"We've been disappointed with some aspects of our game," he continued.

"Our away form has been talked about recently and it's been a frustrating time for me personally.

"But, watching the lads, I've learnt a lot and maybe I can help with some of the shortcomings I've seen over the last few weeks."

The Hull derby on Saturday afternoon has been given an added edge by Paul Cooke's controversial move across the river, when he quit Hull FC only to immediately sign a contract with their rivals, Hull KR.

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