SAINTS second row Curtis Sironen was brought off as a precaution in his first game back from a hamstring injury.

The Australian second rower came off the bench and added something to Saints’ edge during a torrid first half, but then felt a bit of tightness prompting an early withdrawal.

Coach Paul Wellens also revealed that centre Will Hopoate, who did not play today, has possibly suffered a fresh hamstring injury and will be assessed in the week.

Talking about Sironen, Wellens said: “We brought him off as a bit of a precaution in the second-half because felt a bit of tightness again and obviously he has been out for a prolonged period.

“We don't want to take any risks and as I'm sat here now I've got my fingers and toes and everything crossed hoping Curtis is going to be OK.

“As you saw when he was out on field, he's a handful and an influential player for us so hopefully he comes through OK.”

Mark Percival returned to action after his recent head knocks, but he slotted in for Hopoate with Ben Davies replacing torn calf victim Konrad Hurrell.

Wellens explained the situation with Hopoate.

“It's a hamstring injury and we’re going to get that checked out in the week,” he said.

“Will trained with us on Thursday and did the full session and we just had to allow him the time, but we just thought it was too much of a risk.

“So we'll get him looked at in the week, we'll just have to find out but we can't say too much more.

“The frustration is there. Me sat here as a coach and the fans, everybody at the club all want Will Hopoate to play but no one feels this more than him.

“So he's disappointed when he can't take the field and he's obviously had a difficult 18 months or so with injuries.

“But there is no more reliable bloke when he's on the field and in terms of role models with how you go about your business.

“So it's disappointing. We'll get him assessed in the way. Hopefully he can get back soon, but we'll get a time frame for that in the week.”