SAINTS are playing a waiting game with on-song Dream Team front rower Alex Walmsley ahead of Friday night’s crunch clash at Headingley.

The Steve Prescott Man of Steel nominee has missed the last two games since hobbling off at Castleford with an ankle injury.

He had not run in training until this week, although he has resumed training he still has boxes to tick.

Saints coach Keiron Cunningham, speaking on Monday, said: "We are hopeful on Alex, but can’t say yes or no. We are hopeful because we missed his carries the other day.

"Likewise with Travis Burns we will see how he is in training an when the dice land at the end of the week.

"We will make those calls, but apart from our long-term absentees we are not in a bad spot."

Saints face a Leeds side who appear rejuvenated by their last-gasp League Leaders Shield win after looking to be done for the year post Wembley.

Cunningham felt Leeds deserved to finish top and is braced for an almighty tussle at a jam-packed Headingley on Friday night.

"I am really pleased for Mac (Brian McDermott) and for all those players involved," he said.

"Consistently throughout the year, Leeds have been the best side and at sometimes have been untouchable.

"I thought they deserved to finish first.

"It would have been a travesty had they not finished top. It shows how the hyenas pounce after a few losses.

"We don’t do that as a club and know they are great side who will be firing on Friday at Headingley.

"We have to be ready for that."