Alex Walmsley on track to feature for St Helens against Leeds

St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham is hoping to welcome back in-form prop Alex Walmsley for Friday's Super League semi-final against Leeds.

The Man of Steel short-listed forward has missed Saints' last two matches with an ankle injury but resumed training on Monday, before being unveiled in the 2015 Super League Dream Team.

"He's trained today so we'll see how he recovers," Cunningham said on Monday afternoon. "We'll have a look at him tomorrow but we are hopeful and it will be a big boost if he does make it.

"In the last couple of weeks it's really hurt our yardage with Alex not being on the field. He makes around 200, 250 metres a week and, if you take that out of any side, it really hurts you.

"That's where we're struggling at the minute because it has a knock-on effect on everything, your kicking game and the form of other players around Alex, so he has a bigger influence than you can imagine."

Cunningham will be able to select stand-off Travis Burns, who has also sat out the champions' last two games after undergoing elbow surgery but he is not guaranteed a recall.

"Travis is available for selection so we'll have a good look at training and see which we feel would be the best player who fits the way Leeds play," Cunningham added.

Leeds look certain to be without second rower Stevie Ward after he injured a knee in the Rhinos' 20-16 win at Huddersfield on Friday but he could return for the Grand Final if they are successful at Headingley on Friday.

"He's not looking good for this week," Rhinos coach Brian McDermott said. "He's in some pain and having a scan today.

"I'm hesitant to say what the predictions are until we get some information back.

"I know if there's a chance he can get back for the Grand Final, then he and we will do everything possible."

Watch the Super League Super 8s semi-finals on Thursday (Wigan v Huddersfield) and Friday (Leeds v St Helens), live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7.30pm.