St Helens (7/2 to win 2010 Grand Final) will be without Leon Pryce for their play-off campaign, after he was told he needs surgery to sort out a neck problem.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined for a month but last year’s Grand Final runners-up were hopeful that he would be available for the play-offs.

But medics have advised the England international to have an operation and Pryce could be out for a further three months.

Coach Mick Potter admitted: “Having his experience in the finals would have been fantastic but it’s not to be. If he has the op this week, he should be right to go in early December and be fit for pre-season.”

Former St. George Illawarra (6/4f NRL Grand Final Outright) favourite Potter is also facing an anxious wait on the fitness of half-back duo Kyle Eastmond and Jonny Lomax ahead of this Friday’s clash with Warrington.

Both players face late fitness tests, with Eastmond struggling to overcome a hip problem and Lomax battling with a quad injury.

Saints could be boosted though by the return of prop Maurie Fa’asavalu, who has been missing for the last three months.