Wigan boss expecting Jonny Lomax to play in Challenge Cup semi-final clash

Wigan head coach Matt Peet expects St Helens star Jonny Lomax to feature in their Challenge Cup clash this weekend.

The two sides meet at Elland Road on Saturday in the semi-finals of the cup, just 80-minutes away from a spot in the final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Lomax, 31, left the field during the club’s win over Salford in the Super League. His withdrawal in the first half forced captain James Roby into the halves.

The England international underwent scans following the fixture, and could return this Saturday in the derby after being named in the squad by St Helens.

Wigan boss Peet is expecting Lomax to play against his side. He said: “They have lots of threats, but we’re prepared for him (Jonny Lomax) to play. I think he’ll play.

“Personally, I expect the most intense game of the season. I think I expect us to play better than we’ve done so far this year.

“I also know it’s going to take that level of performance; there’s no doubt that they’re the best team in the country.”

St Helens head coach Kristian Woolf believes Lomax will do everything possible to get on the field for the crucial clash.

The side will however be without the injured Will Hopoate, who has been replaced by Regan Grace.

Speaking on Lomax, Woolf said: “He’s going to give himself every chance. We’ll know a little bit more over the next couple of days.

“What I do know about Jonny is that he’s diligent and hard working. He’s going to give himself every chance with how he goes about his work and his rehab and what he goes through to get his body available to go onto the field.

“For those same reasons and because of the character that he is, the focus is on him every week. The way he performs and the impact he has on the game every single week