Paul Wellens has his say on Matty Lees appeal

As St Helens battle with Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards for a spot in the top two and a vitally important home semi final in the Super League play-offs, they were struck by a blow after their victory over the Huddersfield Giants and going into their games with Hull KR and Castleford Tigers.

The Saints have already lost Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi to season ending injuries, they have now lost another prop in the shape of Matty Lees to a two match ban.

This was awarded due to a high tackle against the Giants but the Saints appealed the decision on Tuesday night which failed before a second appeal on Wednesday night.

Speaking on this appeal, Paul Wellens explained why they felt there were grounds for the appeal.

He said on Saints TV: “We would never go into something like this. We’re not just shooting thinner. We do feel we’ve got a strong case, but also respectfully, obviously with the case still being something that is ongoing, I don’t feel like it’s right to comment too much other than just to say that, yeah, we will be appealing.

“As it stands right here, right now, Matty’s suspended and we’ve prepared as a team today, without Matty Lees, because that’s where we currently stand.”

He also addressed potential replacements for Lees which will come in handy after the failed appeal:

“Yeah, we’ve got a number of options. Obviously, James Bell is returning from suspension so he’s someone who can come into the middle or on an edge, he’s done that really well all year.

“Sione Mata’utia is someone who’s played in the middle and on an edge. Obviously we’ve got young Lewis Baxter, Dan Norman who’s been playing, been around the squad in recent weeks.

“Sammy Royle is another player who can play on an edge and in the middle. Joe Batchelor has played in the middle before and, you know, credit to a lot of our players, there’s a number of them who put their hands up and said, look I’m prepared to go in there if needed.

“So it gives us a sign of what our players like in terms of wanting to put their hand up for the team. And we’re going to need to do that, not only this week but moving forward towards the end of the season.”