SAINTS half back Jonny Lomax is still very much in the World Cup plans of England boss Shaun Wane despite currently playing with a ruptured bicep.
Lomax joined Mark Percival and Morgan Knowles in sitting out Saturday's England international against with what the club describe as "minor injuries" - but all three will be in the frame to play in the tournament opener against Samoa in October.
Doubts had been cast over Lomax - who has been playing tough since sustaining that arm injury against Salford.
He has defiantly continued to play - not missing a Saints game since - and dispelling initial fears that his season would be over.
Lomax, who played in England's narrow World Cup defeat in 2017, is a player Wane wants on the field for the autumn showpiece.
The England boss said: "I would rather him not have a ruptured bicep but if anyone can cope with that then Jonny can.
"He is very mentally strong and I know the staff at St Helens will look after him and I am sure he will be good and ready for the World Cup at the end of the year."
Having seen him play since sustaining the injury, Wane remains convinced that even with that Lomax can make a telling contribution.
"Jonny still does a lot of good things, his desire to win and his competitive nature and his skill – everything is still there with Jonny.
"I rate him very highly."
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