Crusaders v Saints: Teams

Crusaders expect to have centre Vince Mellars back for the visit of St Helens after a three-match absence with a shoulder injury.

Winger Gareth Thomas is still recovering from a groin injury and is targeting a comeback in the club's final league match against Hull KR in a fortnight's time.

St Helens have included prop Gareth Frodsham for the first time this season, but they are still without second rower Paul Clough and stand-off Leon Pryce.

Victory over Saints would virtually ensure Crusaders of a first trip to the play-offs.

"It's a great success story," said head coach Noble, who succeeded Australian John Dixon at the Crusaders this season.

"You've just got to look at the circumstances, where the club was and where it's come to and the difficult challenges presented to this group of people from day one.

Magnificent

"It's a magnificent achievement. There was a lot of controversy but all the Super Leagues clubs in the north west now see the viability of it and they don't feel threatened by it.

"It's a new audience and it's another local derby for St Helens and Warrington - and Widnes should they get in.

"We are all ready to criticise the RFL but they deserve the plaudits. The noises that were made from the start from certain areas proved unfounded. We've actually loaned players out in the north west.

"The foundations are there for all to see and it can kick on. Getting in the eight would be the icing on the cake for us and we feel we could shake things up if we get in there."

"We've two huge games to finish the season on and the commitment of the players this week has been fabulous. We understand the nature of the challenge. Saints have got everything to play for."

Crusaders have won four of their last five Super League games but face a St Helens side still in the hunt for the crucial second place in the table.

Crusaders RL squad: Youngquest, Martin, Mellars, Sammut, O'Hara, Withers, Bryant, Hauraki, Chan, Trimarchi, Dyer, Lee, Winternstein, Peek, Thackray, James, Lupton, Schifcofske, Hanbury.

St. Helens squad: Wellens, Gardner, Gidley, Meli, Eastmond, Cunningham, Graham, Puletua, Wilkin, Flannery, Roby, Hargreaves, Moore, Ashurst, Frodsham, Dixon, Lomax, Emmitt, Foster.