Wednesday 10th March 10

St Helens full-back Paul Wellens will miss Friday’s home game against Crusaders RL after failing to recover from a dead leg.

The absence of his former Great Britain star is a major blow for Saints coach Mick Potter. Matt Gidley and Jonny Lomax, who both stepped in at full-back in Wellens’ absence last year, are also on the casualty list.

The 20-year-old Lomax, who has scored three tries in four matches from the wing so far this season, is expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a shoulder injury picked up in Sunday’s defeat at Hull Kingston Rovers.

At least St Helens can welcome back winger Ade Gardner, who has missed the last four matches with a rib cartilage injury, and back-row forwards Jon Wilkin and Chris Flannery.

Crusaders coach Brian Noble brings in winger Anthony Blackwood for Lloyd White, who sustained a leg injury in Sunday’s defeat at Warrington Wolves.

New signing Gareth Thomas will not feature against Saints but is expected to make his debut against Catalans Dragons on Friday week.

Friday’s match will mark the 100th appearance for St Helens of second rower Paul Clough.