‘We’re hopeful’ - St Helens key injury doubt ahead of Catalans Dragons top-of-the-table clash

More of the same, boys! That will be the clarion call from Saints’ boss Paul Wellens when the defending Betfred Super League champions entertain current leaders Catalans Dragons on Thursday night - only six days after an exhilarating victory at Warrington Wolves.

The French club won the previous meeting 24-12 at the Stade Gilbert Brutus Stadium in May when St Helens were going through a sticky spell. But Saints  have turned their form around since and now lie third on 22 points, two adrift of surprise package Leigh Leopards and four behind the Dragons with a crucial game in hand on their main rivals.

Both coaches will be revealing their 21-man squads at lunch-time on Tuesday, but the good news for the hosts is that up-and-coming forward George Delaney passed his head injury assessment test after leaving the field at Warrington.

Saints are also monitoring the fitness of hamstring victim Joe Batchelor. Wellens said: "We’re hopeful for Catalans, but if that’s not the case, then the Challenge Cup semi-finals. With a hamstring injury, you don’t want to take a risk where it’s not necessary. I’ll be in dialogue with the medical team and we’ll make a decision in due course.”

Veteran forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook was fined £250 by the RL Disciplinary Panel on Monday for a Grade B reckless high tackle following an incident in Saints’ away fixture with Warrington Wolves on Friday. No further action was taken.