Ben Barba says St Helens have to beat visitors Wigan on Friday to keep their Grand Final hopes alive.

The Australian is in line to make his Saints debut on Friday and Barba believes the clash is a must-win game for his new side.

Saints are fifth in the standings, one point behind Wakefield in fourth, but they are only ahead of Wigan by virtue of a superior points difference.

With just four games remaining in the Super 8s stage, the former Cronulla Sharks and Brisbane Broncos star knows his side cannot afford to lose when they host the Warriors.

“We would like to be sitting in a better position on the ladder, but that is rugby league,” he told the club's official website. ”Whoever wins this game puts themselves in good stead for the games ahead.

“But we know as a group that everything from here on in is business and I don’t think we can afford to lose another game.

“Friday’s game is important, especially with Wigan and Huddersfield winning games and closing the gap.

“All we can do is work hard and learn from the last two weeks, and find that edge to get over the top of teams.”