SAINTS welcome back Curtis Sironen to the 21-man squad for Friday’s Challenge Cup Sixth Round against Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium, 8pm.

The Australian packman was stood down last week due to a back spasm, but he has trained this week and the signs have been positive.

As expected winger Tommy Makinson is left out after he suffered a hamstring/lower back issue and was withdrawn just before kick-off last week.

Coach Paul Wellens spoke about what they learned from last week's meeting between the sides and the anticipation for the Challenge Cup clash.

He said: "Leeds made it very difficult for us at the start of the game last week.

"The way they moved the ball and they dominated field position early on was something we found very difficult.

"It is not something that we didn't expect, however, the other challenge is to deal with it and put it into action.

"They were very good but also at the same time we need to be better."

It rolls into the Challenge Cup and a clash between the winners of 2020 v 2021 - two teams with a fine cup pedigree.

"What comes with a cup tie is there are obviously no second chances," said Wellens.

"You have got to perform on the day if you want to progress to the next round.

"I've got a playing group, who have played in a lot of big games and understand what is required in that respect."I have confidence in the team that we can go there and perform, but at the same time I know it's going to be extremely difficult challenge - Leeds are a good side, who off the back of losing against us last week will certainly come again."

St.Helens’ 21-man squad v Leeds Rhinos 1. Jack Welsby, 3. Waqa Blake, 5. Jon Bennison, 6. Jonny Lomax, 7. Lewis Dodd, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees, 11. Sione Mata’utia, 12. Joe Batchelor, 13. Morgan Knowles, 14. Moses Mbye, 15. James Bell, 16. Curtis Sironen, 18. Jake Wingfield, 19. Matt Whitley, 20. George Delaney, 21. Ben Davies, 22. Sam Royle, 23. Konrad Hurrell, 25. Tee Ritson.