Wilkin targets Saturday return
St Helens' Jon Wilkin is set to make his comeback from a broken hand in Saturday's derby against Wigan at the Millennium Stadium.
The Great Britain second rower has missed the champions' last four matches after breaking his hand in the 32-14 win over the Warriors at the JJB Stadium on Good Friday, but he has been given clearance by a specialist to return and - if given the nod by coach Daniel Anderson - would be a straight replacement for Mike Bennett (calf).
"Jon Wilkin will be in the 20-man squad and we'll make a decision on him later in the week," said Anderson.
With Lee Gilmour and Jason Hooper also on the injured list, the return of Wilkin will be a timely boost for Saints, who have lost three matches on their travels already this year.
Wilkin, who was in the St Helens team that beat Wigan 32-16 to lift the Challenge Cup at the Millennium Stadium in 2004, admits he is desperate to play on Saturday and give his team a lift.
"It would be fantastic to get back for the Wigan game," he said. "Walking around the stadium last week brought back memories of 2004 - we got a good result against Wigan that day.
"We've been disappointed with some aspects of our game. 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 Wigan-Saints clash will be one of five derbies staged over the Millennium Magic weekend, which has been given the thumbs up by Wilkin.
He said: "There is something special playing at Knowsley Road or the JJB in a Wigan-Saints derby and trying to replicate the atmosphere is going to be difficult due to the sheer size of the stadium.
"But I understand the concept. It's a brilliant stadium and Cardiff city centre is really conducive to having rugby league fans in it all weekend, enjoying each other's company. I hope the Welsh take to it and it's not merely a case of bringing the fans down from the north. There are some massive games and it will be a brilliant occasion."
