WIGAN Warriors will be boosted by the return from injury of Simon Haughton and Harvey Howard for the derby clash at home to Salford on Friday writes David Magilton

The two forwards return after being sidelined for the past two weeks to bolster a pack weakened by the absence of long-term injured stars Dave Furner and Mick Cassidy.

Centre Gary Connolly, one of only four players to have been on the field for the full 80 minutes of each of the three games last week, looks likely to be rested to give his twisted knee time to recover from the punishing schedule.

Youngster Martin Aspinwall looks set to take his position while Aussie Brett Dallas, who was was substituted with a knock in the Widnes game on Saturday, is confident he will be fit.

Warriors' Super League hopes were given another massive boost last night as title rivals St Helens blew an 18-point lead to crash to a 36-22 defeat to Castleford.

Just days after fellow high fliers Hull FC were overturned by rock bottom Warrington, Saints wasted the chance to move into second place and gave the Tigers their first home win since last August.

It looked plain sailing for a Tommy Martyn-inspired St Helens as they scored at a point a minute to establish a commanding lead thanks to tries from Martin Gleeson, Peter Shiels and Paul Sculthorpe.

But the game was transformed, almost like the flick of a switch, following the introduction of Australian substitutes Mitch Healey and Wayne Bartrim.

Ex-Wigan ace Barrie-Jon Mather and Darren Rogers both touched down twice and the Tigers ran amok in the second half, with Andy Johnson, Bartrim and the outstanding Ryan Hudson securing a memorable triumph.

"The guys will take a lot of heart from the manner of their victory," said a delighted Steadman. "Psychologically, it's a massive boost for the team.

"It's all about belief. I've been saying for a while now that it's 70% mental and 30% physical.

"We've performed well from the 15-minute mark to 80 minutes. What we've got to do is kick on from this and perform for the full 80 minutes and not give teams start, as we have been doing."

:: Steadman is to meet with new RFL technical executive Stuart Cummings after St Helens, who will tomorrow face possible sanctions for leaving just 12 men on the field against Bradford recently, played briefly with 14 men.

Forward Mike Bennett appeared as a substitute for Saints on 51 minutes with his side trailing 20-18 and made a crucial tackle on Mather before his replacement, Darren Britt, had left the pitch.

"I'll be following it up," said Steadman.

"We can't be having that. It came at a crucial stage of the game."