SAINTS scrum half Lewis Dodd will again sit out this week's game against Huddersfield after playing busted in recent weeks.

Dodd was withdrawn late from last week's side that defeated Hull FC and has not been included in the 21-man squad for Thursday's Super League encounter.

Coach Paul Wellens explained that a combination of groin and rib issues have impacted on Dodd in recent weeks.

In his place last week Saints switched skipper Jonny Lomax to seven, with Jack Welsby moved up to stand off and Jon Bennison slotting in at full back.

Wellens said: "He’s been playing with an injury and it's something that's been grumbling on for a while.

"It's got worse and then it's got better - then it's got worse again and it's come to the point where I've had a conversation with Lewis.

"So early on in the season, we can't just keep going through this cycle of you're healthy one week then then you’re injured the next.

"To be fair to Lewis, he's more than prepared to put his hands up to play but I took the decision out of his hands last week and again, obviously this week because he's an important player for us.

"If we keep playing him at 50 percent, 75 percent, 80 percent, then it's not going to be beneficial for us and most importantly not beneficial for all Lewis himself.

"He sits out again this week, but we're confident this week is all he needs to be back involved with us the following week."

Wellens explained that it was a groin/abductor problem that was triggered at Leeds early on in the season.

"For someone who kicks the ball a lot that makes it even more difficult," he said.

"He's also had a bit of a rib injury oblique, which he has been carrying again for a few weeks.

"So there's a combination of things there and he’s a little bit busted up but as we did with Daryl Clark last week we’ll look after him."