Saints captain Lees out for season with injury

St Helens captain Matty Lees is unlikely to play again this season after sustaining a serious knee injury that requires surgery.

Lees was injured in the early stages of Saints' Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by rivals Wigan Warriors on Saturday.

The 28-year-old England prop is likely to miss the rest of the Super League season, which ends with the Grand Final in early October.

The World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea follows, with England's first match against Tonga scheduled for 17 October.

"I'm gutted about this news," Lees told the Saints' website., external "This is not how I wanted my testimonial year, and my first as captain, to play out.

"I know it's one of those things in sport, having to deal with injuries, and it can't be avoided, but I'm truly gutted."