KEIRON Cunningham says three of his injured stars have a chance of returning this week.
Jonny Lomax, Mark Percival and Atelea Vea could all comeback this Friday when Saints take on Leeds at Langtree Park in a crunch First Utility Super League tie.
“Hopefully, we will get a few back this week,” he said. “We have had a few fitness tests over the last couple of days and there are a couple of players who could get back early. But we will need clearance from the medical team and have to get them through certain tests before we can welcome them back.
“Jonny Lomax came through his run out with the Reserves but damaged his nose! He doesn’t do things by halves but he came though unscathed. We have to be smart with him though. If he is fit then he plays. He is a great player who adds a lot to the side.
“Mark Percival has a chance too. We have to tick boxes with him and for the sake of a week if it benefits his recovery long term we will hold him back.
“Atelea Vea has a chance too. He is a couple of weeks ahead in his recovery and again we will have to see. It is a big game on Friday and we want our big players in for these games. We will do our best to get them out on the field.
“As a coach you have to sit on your hands until they are ready and it can be frustrating. They bring an x-factor to the squad which at times we have been lacking.
“We have been frail on our edges but we have been hamstrung somewhat because we have lost our starting back five. Without throwing too many kids in and putting them in a difficult position, it is hard.
“When we have something like our starting 13 back then you can be a lot more firm and composed in certain spots.”
Leeds come to Langtree Park with three wins to date in Super League – the latest coming on Friday when they beat Hull FC 20-18.
“That was a dogged win by Leeds and I thought they were brilliant,” Keiron added. “They should have beaten Salford and if there had been a video referee that night things could have been different.
“In their games this year they have been fighting, battling and have been edged out by a try or so. Their spirit never dies and they are finding a different way of playing.
“I enjoy these battles and I know Brian McDermott does too.”
Tickets for the match, which kicks off at 8pm, are now on sale from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, by calling 01744 455 052 or online.
