Roby is one of only eight ever-presents in the Saints' line-up in what so far has been an injury-ravaged season and coach Daniel Anderson, quite rightly, feels the time his right to give the hooker a day off.

But Anderson will have the luxury of calling on veteran Keiron Cunningham to step into his prodigy's shoes.

Cunningham, who already has six Challenge Cup winning medals locked away in his trophy cabinet, will start the tie after missing the last six matches due to injury.

Saints, however, are also to rest other key players, including Sean Long and Paul Sculthorpe, while Jason Cayless, who underwent close season knee surgery, is sidelined as a precautionary measure after being withdrawn part way through the first half of Friday's home game against Harlequins.

Matt Gidley will switch from centre to full back to replace Wellens and 18-year-old Kyle Eastmond, who grabbed a hat-trick in the Reserves crushing 66-24 home win over Harlequins on Friday, will form a half-back partnership with Leon Pryce.

Anderson is also expected to hand Gary Wheeler his first team debut.