SAINTS coach Paul Wellens gave an update on a broad range of matters in his weekly press update.

St Helens Star subscribers can watch the video below.

Wellens was asked about how he goes about replacing a wingman of the calibre of Tommy Makinson and what he expects from the experienced flankman for the remainder of his time in the red vee.

He gave a full roll call of the Saints casualty list and the challenges that presents the squad with four front line packmen now sidelined.

The positive news around Agnatius Paasi's return was discussed - and the support he has received from his Saints teammates during this 10-month lay-off.

Wellens also turned his attention to the Leeds Rhinos game on Friday - and the threat that the unorthodox Tykes can pose after two interesting games at Headingley earlier this year.

Wellens said: "It is really challenging playing Leeds and we try and put sessions together as best we can to prepare ourselves for that.

"We have had two fixtures already against them this year, one in the league and one in the cup, were we had a taste of what that's like, but again we’re going to be challenged in a different way on Friday.

"We have been working on a number of things that we feel are important and hopefully that will reflect in our performance on Friday."

Watch the full video with Paul Wellens here.