St Helens boss Kristian Woolf provides key update on Jonny Lomax, Morgan Knowles and Mark Percival following England absence

England were without three of their St Helens stars at the weekend against the Combined Nations All Stars.

They were Jonny Lomax, Morgan Knowles and Mark Percival who have all been carrying niggles, according to Saints head coach Kristian Woolf.

Woolf revealed on Saints TV that the trio have had issues in recent weeks, but that only two would come back into contention to face Leeds Rhinos this Thursday night at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

“Jonny Lomax has had a hell of a lot with injuries and other things that have been going on in his life as well – positive things but they have added to his life,” Woolf said.

“The best thing for him mentally and physically was to get a break at the weekend, so he made that decision and he made that decision with Shaun Wane as well.

“Morgan Knowles has been carrying a bit of niggle that needed extra treatment at the weekend and that’s in order for him to finish the season well and ensure he is in full health at the end of the year.

“Mark Percival won’t feature this week, he’s had a niggle and something going on for a number of weeks.

“We thought it would improve quicker than what it has but he won’t be playing this week.”

It will be a chance for Saints to extend their dominance at the top of the Super League table against a Leeds side where confidence is now high following the appointment of Rohan Smith.