SAINTS expect champions Leeds to be blazing into town on Friday night after young scrum half Jordan Lilley inspired their confidence-boosting win over Hull at Headingley.

Although the Rhinos have struggled so far this year and are languishing in the bottom four, one of their three victories so far this season was against Saints in March.

For Saints the game is vital, not least to stop the rot at home after three consecutive defeats there.

Saints boss Keiron Cunningham believes both sides relish this encounter.

He said: “They are a great side, well coached and well managed with really good standards. Whenever you play them you know that you are in a battle. Leeds were gone last time we played them and they came out and were beating us 16-0. Leeds enjoy playing Saints as much as we like playing them.

“Jordan Lilley and the kids out wide are all playing well and learning for the future. It is not often that you can develop a young half like Lilley who is going to take you places in the future. Brian Mac is a smart coach and knows what he is doing and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.”

Saints: Lomax, Percival, Walsh, Walmsley, Roby, Amor, Vea, Wilkin, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Tasi, Richards, Savelio, Fages, Greenwood, Dawson, Owens, McDonnell, Knowles, Wellington.

Leeds: Hardaker, Watkins, Moon, Burrow, Galloway, Falloon, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sutcliffe, Delaney, Singleton, Garbutt, Keinhorst, Achurch, Mullally, Handley, Golding, Baldwinson, Lilley.

The game kicks off at 8pm and the referee is Phil Bentham.