Farrell ready to risk Ashes berth for Wigan

Andy Farrell faces a tough decision tonight, when he must decide whether to sit out the sudden death play-off against St Helens, or play and risk putting himself out of the series against Australia in November.

Farrell has been unable to train on a swollen knee and his coach, Mike Gregory, said: "It's asking a lot for him to play, but he wants to. We're leaving it up to him."

The Wigan and Great Britain captain faces the possibility of an operation next week that could finish his domestic season, but could give him a chance of facing the Aussies.

Gareth Hock will come into the starting line-up, with Stephen Wild on the bench, if Farrell is ruled out.

Saints are likely to be without Martin Gleeson with a calf injury, with Willie Talau switching to the centres.

The Bradford captain, Robbie Paul, has been passed fit to play for the first time since breaking his arm in three places in June. He has been named in a 20 man squad for tomorrow's play-off against Leeds, along with Michael Withers, who has not played since April.