SAINTS are hoping to have skipper James Roby and prop Agnatius Paasi back for Friday's trip to Leigh Leopards.

The pair have been missing with injuries picked up at the World Club Challenge win - and any returns would be welcome for a side stretched by suspension.

Saints will be missing Konrad Hurrell, Sione Mata'utia and Curtis Sironen through suspension for the trip to LSV.

But coach Paul Wellens appeared optimistic of getting a pair of experienced bodies back for what has suddenly become a tougher game.

St Helens Star:

Wellens said: "We are hopeful that James Roby and Agnatius Paasi could return this week.

"Both trained on the field this afternoon and got through the session OK.

"We have a bit of a recovery day tomorrow and so if they come through that OK and are feeling strong after today’s session they both have a strong chance of playing at the weekend."

Leigh won at Hull KR with a late Josh Charnley try last Friday - and will come into this derby cock-a-hoop.

The tickets are flying out - and it promises to be another packed house with a raucous atmosphere.

"Regardless of Leigh had won or lost last week, they were always going to be up for this game.

"What we have become accustomed to is every game we play is teams want to see where they are at playing the champions.

"Winning last week will give them huge confidence - and that will make for a really good game at the weekend.

"A lot of people were too quick to talk Leigh down at the start of the year.

"If you look at their playing roster and their playing experience of knowing what it takes to win at this level, there’s plenty of that in their team.

"We know what we are coming up against," Wellens said.