THERE is mixed news for Saints on the injury front ahead of Friday night's Challenge Cup clash against Leeds at Headingley.

Second row Curtis Sironen, who missed last week's Super League clash at Headingley with a back spasm, is training and looking likely to play.

But wingman Tommy Makinson, who pulled out in warm-up with a hamstring issue, is unlikely to be back.

It led to Saints having to shuffle the side, with Waqa Blake moving to wing and Matt Whitley switching from back row to centre.

Coach Paul Wellens said: "We've sent Tommy for further investigations this afternoon.

"It's a hamstring/lower back type issue, so it's very unlikely that's going be available for this week, but we're not too sure on the long term prognosis yet.

“We'll get those assessments done and get some information back and then make a more definitive call.

“Usually with these types of things, they can be a bit longer than normal so we'll just have to see.”

It is much better news with Sironen, whose return will leave something of a selection headache in the pack and bench - even with Whitley in the centre.

“Curtis is in a good spot and trained this afternoon, so hopefully Curtis will come back into the team and play well.

“He will come in again tomorrow morning again and check with physios but the signs at the training session this afternoon was very positive for him,” Wellens said.