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PURDHAM WARY AS QUINS SEEK DOUBLE

Rob Purdham faces a huge task at Twickenham

Sunday April 29,2007

By Sam Haywood

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HARLEQUINS seek to become the first team to complete a Super League double over St Helens for three years when the champions visit the Twickenham Stoop today.

Not since Wigan beat them home and away in 2004 have Saints conceded a league double, but the Londoners have given themselves a great chance with their 14-6 win at Knowsley Road back in February.

However, Harlequins captain Rob Purdham is playing down the significance of that surprise result and knows how determined St Helens, four points behind Leeds, will be to defend their title.

"I think the snow had a bit to do with the result," he said. "We just completed (sets of tackles) and played quite solid.

"It will be a totally different game on Sunday. It's going to be hot and it's going to be fast. That's how Saints like it but we've got skill and speed too.

"They've had a few injuries this time, with people coming in and out of the side, but it's still going to be a massive task trying to beat Saints."

After going down heavily at Leeds and also losing on their travels against Wakefield and Hull, Saints coach Daniel Anderson admits he is concerned over the champions' away form.

He is also wary of the Londoners, who have given his side some tough battles over the years.

"It's never an easy game," said Anderson. "We're certainly not preparing lightly."

Warrington are boosted by the return of a trio of former Bradford players, Adrian Morley, Paul Johnson and Chris Bridge, for their trip to Odsal as they look to halt a three-match losing run.

After being without as many as nine regulars through injury, Warrington coach Paul Cullen says the return of those three, plus Australian prop Chris Leikvoll will be a huge boost.