Key trio boost St Helens ahead of trip to Perpignan

St Helens coach Paul Wellens has confirmed that three key players will return to his side for Friday’s trip to the south of France.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Wellens revealed that prop Alex Walmsley, back-rower Curtis Sironen and winger Tommy Makinson will return for Friday’s clash with Catalans.

He said: “We’re hopeful to have a few players coming back. The squad will get announced later today but Alex Walmsley will be back in the 21 as will Curtis Sironen and Tommy Makinson.

“It’s great for us to have three players of that calibre coming back in to the squad, a couple of those guys have got to tick off a few things with the physios in the coming days but we’re hopeful that all three are able to take part on the weekend. ”

St Helens boss provides updates on Lewis Dodd and Matty Lees

Lewis Dodd didn’t feature for England against France last week after suffering a knock in their 28-6 win over Warrington a fortnight ago, and Wellens provided an update on his half-back.

He said: “Lewis Dodd picked up a knock as well and he couldn’t play in that, so we’re hopeful Lewis is going to be okay to play.

“He’s not training with the squad as of yet but we’re hopeful he will be back fit and raring to go at the weekend.

“As you can imagine, with the start to the year we’ve had and the injuries we’ve had as a squad, we’ve had a few busted bodies playing in recent weeks so we hope that the break will do us good and that we can get  a few players coming back in feeling refreshed and ready to go.”

Another player who Saints are hoping to have back on Friday night is influential prop Matty Lees, but he faces late fitness checks.

Wellens added: “Matty Lees is a player who has been fantastic for us this year. He is a bit banged up and hasn’t trained fully with the squad since the Warrington game.

“We are going to name him in the 21 this week and give him every opportunity to get out there so fingers crossed in terms of Matty Lees appearing on the weekend. He’s got a few things that he needs to get through yet.”

St Helens face Catalans at the Stade Gilbert Brutus on Friday evening, live on Sky Sports (7:45pm).

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