Saints v Rhinos - Team News

Long: ruled out

I'm 100% fit now and I won't need any painkillers,

Nick Fozzard
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St Helens have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of Friday's qualifying semi-final against Leeds at Knowsley Road.

Scrum-half Sean Long, who has missed Saints' last two matches with a hamstring injury, failed a fitness test on Thursday and is replaced in the 18-man squad by understudy Matty Smith.

The Challenge Cup winners will also be without prop Maurie Fa'asavalau, who has failed to shake off a knock picked up in training.

Fa'asavalu, who was hoping to impress Leeds and Great Britain coach Tony Smith after pledging his allegiance to this country, is replaced by former Wigan prop Bryn Hargreaves.

Good news

The good news for Saints is that prop Nick Fozzard returns after sitting out their last regular season game - a 20-12 defeat at Wigan 11 days ago - with a bicep injury.

Fozzard, who was last week named in the 2007 Super League Dream Team, says he has benefited from a fortnight's rest.

"It's given me the chance to do some extra training and build up a bit of strength," he said. "I've got over a few knocks so it's been beneficial. I'm 100 per cent fit now and I won't need any painkillers."

Rhinos

Leeds, who are one of only two away teams to have won at Knowsley Road this year, are at full strength, with the exception of prop Nick Scruton, who has a broken hand.

Prop Ryan Bailey returns to the side after sitting out his side's last match against Wakefield.

Prop Jamie Thackray and winger Ryan Hall are the two players to miss out from the Rhinos' initial 20-man squad.

St Helens 18-man squad: 1. Paul Wellens, 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 4. Willie Talau, 5. Francis Meli, 6. Leon Pryce, 8. Nick Fozzard, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 10. Jason Cayless, 11. Lee Gilmour, 12. Jon Wilkin, 14. James Roby, 15. Mike Bennett, 17. James Graham, 18. Bryn Hargreaves, 21. Matty Smith, 22. Paul Clough, 30. Chris Flannery.

Leeds 18-man squad: 1. Brent Webb, 2. Scott Donald, 3. Clinton Toopi, 4. Keith Senior, 5. Lee Smith, 6. Danny McGuire, 7. Rob Burrow, 8. Kylie Leuluai, 9. Matt Diskin, 10. Jamie Peacock, 11. Jamie Jones-Buchanan, 12. Gareth Ellis, 13. Kevin Sinfield (C), 14. Ali Lauitiiti, 16. Ryan Bailey, 18. Ian Kirke, 22. Carl Ablett, 23. Jordan Tansey.