THE continued absence of Kiwi Francis Meli will hand either Jamie Foster or Tom Armstrong their senior debut on the left wing in Friday night’s Super League opener against Warrington.

The eagerly anticipated clash will also see Saints’ only external recruit Tony Puletua making his debut, with the powerfully built packman pencilled in to start the game in the front row.

Centre Lee Gilmour (hamstring) and prop Jason Cayless, who has missed all the pre-season games with Achilles and knee trouble, have both trained this week and are in contention to play in a contest that has rapidly become the most keenly contested derby on this side of the Pennines.

After studying their performances in the pre-season warm-up games, new Saints coach Mick Potter has no qualms about pitching Foster and Armstrong in at the deep end in place of the visa-less Meli.

Potter said: “The coaching staff are still debating who will play there and we will talk to a few of the senior players to decide which way we are going to go with that.

“It is a toss of the coin because they have both done very well in pre-season games. Jamie has also played a little bit of centre as well as wing.

“They have acquitted themselves well so I don’t think they will be out of their depth.”

Saints have a remarkable record against the Wolves – with the defeat at Wilderspool in 2001 being their only reverse in 33 Super League clashes.

Saints have won their last 21 home games against Warrington since the Wires came out on top in January 1994.

But there have been plenty of close shaves in recent years with Saints having to come from behind to win the last six encounters.

Potter was anticipating a big match in front of a huge five-figure crowd.

“I have been made aware of Saints’ record against Warrington. Hopefully the weather won’t play too much of a part – both clubs have good squads and it will be a very evenly matched contest.

“The training has been great and last week the contact was very good.

“The guys were getting a little bit aggressive and I think everyone’s ready for a game and looking forward to a big match,” Potter said.

Sean Long will take the goalkicking role, but if youngster Foster plays he may assume the duties as he did in the friendly at Widnes.

Matt Ashurst and Andrew Dixon, who have both given good accounts of themselves in pre-season, are also expected to be named in the 19-man squad.

Meli has still not arrived from New Zealand, but Potter said: “I spoke to him on Sunday and he gave me an indication that it was any time soon. He is going to book a flight as soon as he gets his hands on his passport.”

Saints have sold more than 13,000 tickets and are anticipating a 16,000 gate for the clash which kicks off at 8pm.