St Helens captain Jon Wilkin to miss Challenge Cup semi-final
Tuesday 21 July 2015 13:15, UK
St Helens will be without captain Jon Wilkin when they seek to clinch a first visit to Wembley for seven years.
The back-row forward has undergone an operation after breaking a thumb in last week's 20-14 Super League victory at Warrington, coach Keiron Cunningham has confirmed, and he will miss Saints' Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds Rhinos at Warrington on Friday week.
"We'll miss Jon of course," Cunningham said. "He is a champion of a guy and an ultimate leader for the squad. He doesn't leave it in the dressing room, he does his talking on the field and runs his blood to water.
"I feel for him as he deserves to play in big games. He will bounce back and be back for us some time in the Super 8s."
Saints will welcome back former London Broncos second rower Atelea Vea for Friday's home game against Hull KR after being out for four months with a dislocated and broken shoulder.
A point behind leaders Leeds going into the last round of fixtures before the split for the Super 8s, Saints may rest players against the Robins as they look ahead to the semi-final.
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"I think consistency is important in rugby league and you need that so you can bounce on," Cunningham said. "I'm not going to tinker but there may be a couple of players rested."
Saints won the Cup seven times in the first 13 years of Super League but their last success was against Hull in 2008.
Watch St Helens v Hull KR live on Sky Sports 3 HD on Friday from 7.30pm
