ADE Gardner has been given the full backing of his head coach to make a successful return from a ruptured Achilles.
The winger sustained the injury in the early stages of the 28-12 win over Crusaders and has already been in for surgery.
“He’s out for four to five months and the operation was a success,” Royce Simmons said. “The Medical staff did well to get him booked in and get it sorted so quickly.
“Hopefully, he will play again this season, but he has a lot of hard work ahead of him.
“It’s a shame as he has trained hard all year and has been in good form too.
“He’s been carrying the ball 15 or 16 times per game, making 160 metres and that has been taking pressure off the front rowers.
“He’s been giving us a good start to our sets, and has improved a great deal as the season as gone on.
“Tommy Makinson will probably replace him – he came on the wing against Featherstone and did well – so we will look to give him a run.
“Leon Pryce could be back in four weeks, but if it needs to be five or six, that isn’t a problem. There’s no point miscuing a week and putting him back further.”
He continues: “We know we’re in for a big match this Friday. Leeds are a good team and are statistically in the top one or two in terms of offloads and right up there in points scored. They were also pretty good against Warrington at the weekend and the scoreline wasn’t a true take of the story.
“There is a great roll between the teams and matches are usually intensive. You can tell there is a bit of history between the two sides!”
Saints have also indicated they will be appealing Josh Perry’s one match ban.
The Australian forward was handed the penalty after being found guilty of committing a Grade B, striking offence on Crusaders second row Ben Flower during Sunday’s match.
Perry was also fined £300 after the panel deemed him to be the aggressor in the incident.
Ben Flower, who also appeared before the committee charged with a Grade B striking offence from the same incident, received a £300 fine.
