St Helens prop Matty Lees has left AMT Headingley early, half-way through the Saints’ playoff game against Leeds Rhinos.
The news broke at half-time that the England international had left the ground, as he has to race home to his partner who is expecting the birth of his child.
The Saints were trailing 12-6 at the break, with Jonny Lomax crossing for the away side and James McDonnell and Chris Hankinson giving Leeds the lead.
Sky Sports presenter Brian Carney broke the news, saying: “Saints trail by just six but in a somewhat dramatic occurrence here at AMT Headingley, Matty Lees, their sensational front-rower, has had to leave the stadium to make it to the hospital to be with his wife who has gone into labour.
“It’s a huge blow for St Helens as priorities are taken there by Matty Lees.”
Pundit, and Lees’ former teammate, Jon Wilkin added: “He’s someone you would want in the trenches alongside you. Him and Morgan Knowles often go together and go hand in hand.”
All of us at Serious About Rugby League wish Matty and his family all the best.
St Helen’s Matty Lees has just left the stadium at half time as his wife has gone into labour ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8segGPOfAp
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) September 27, 2025
