Challenge Cup Sixth Round: Halifax Panthers v St Helens LIVE
We’ll bring you the major updates from the game, which evokes memories of Fax’s 1987 Challenge Cup final victory over the Saints at Wembley, as well as a match report after the final hooter and reaction from Panthers’ head coach Simon Grix on the Courier website.
Challenge Cup Sixth Round: Halifax Panthers v St Helens LIVE
Fax v Saints
And games like these do not get much bigger. St Helens are a team that needs no introduction. The World Club Challenge champions having defeated Penrith Panthers in their own backyard. Super League champions for the past four seasons. Can Fax produce a sporting miracle?
Fax’s Challenge Cup journey thus far...
Simon Grix’s men have had to navigate through three rounds of the Cup to make it to this stage, firstly beating runaway Championship leaders Featherstone Rovers, before getting past Barrow Raiders and then thumping Bradford Bulls 26-0.
It’s a strong Saints team
St Helens are certainly not underestimating the Panthers on this fine, bright evening in West Yorkshire. Paul Wellens only makes three changes to the 13 who started last Saturday’s 26-12 victory over Salford.
Team news
Three changes for Fax from the side which hammered Whitehaven 60-0 last Sunday - Ryan Lannon comes in for Ben Kavanagh, Tom Inman is on the bench for Kyle Wood and Kevin Larroyer also starts from the bench.
The atmosphere is building
We’re just over an hour until kick off here as Fax host Saints at The Shay for the first time since 2003. Hundreds of people have already enjoyed the delightful notes of musician Ellie Sax. Some junior rugby is now taking place before the main event. What a night it promises to be!