WEEKEND preview of the region's Rugby League action.

Challenge Cup finalists St Helens and Wigan will use tonight's Tetley's Super League fixtures to hone their preparations for their Millennium Stadium showdown.

Wigan are giving a first run-out of the season to Great Britain three-quarter David Hodgson, who has recovered from a ruptured Achilles and will be hoping to prove his fitness against Widnes at the JJB Stadium.

And Saints coach Ian Millward, whose side take on rejuvenated Wakefield at Knowsley Road, admits he has yet to finalise his cup final squad.

"I pretty much know what my starting 13 is going to be in Cardiff but there are a couple of places on the bench up for grabs," he said. "They could be claimed with strong performances against what is a good Wildcats side."

Warning

Wakefield won 16-10 at Knowsley Road just 12 months ago and have already claimed three victories on their travels so this far this year to post a warning to Millward's men.

"This is a game that's been at the back of my mind," admitted the Saints coach. "But, having said that, I was hoping to get two physical games before Cardiff so I am happy with that."

Widnes won 22-18 at the JJB Stadium last July - Wigan coach Stuart Raper paid a heavy price with the sack - and they will be confident of staging a repeat, despite suffering a 40-10 defeat at Wakefield last Sunday.

"We have looked at their performances and we know they are going to be a better side than last week," said Wigan assistant coach Denis Betts.

Leeds will be hoping to bounce back from their 56-10 humiliation at St Helens when they take on Warrington at Headingley.

The Wolves are hoping to end a dismal run that has brought them just one win from their last six league and cup matches but coach Paul Cullen is preparing his side for a backlash from the Rhinos.

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