The 30-year-old loose forward captained Saints to their 32-16 win over Wigan at the Millennium Stadium in 2004 and was a member of the side which beat Huddersfield at Twickenham two years later.

But he missed their win over Catalans Dragons at the new Wembley a year ago with an Achilles tendon rupture and, after failing to appear in any of the four rounds of the cup so far this year because of various injuries, was in serious doubt for Saturday's duel with Hull.

But he proved his fitness by playing the full 80 minutes of Sunday's 40-22 Super League win at Huddersfield and has been told by Anderson that he will be in the Cup final line-up.

St Helens' preparations have been undermined, however, by an injury to Kiwi prop Jason Cayless, who strained knee ligaments in the win.

Australia hooker Danny Buderus' move to Leeds will be unaffected by the injury which has ended his National Rugby League career and ruled him out of the World Cup.

The former Kangaroos captain, who has signed a two-year contract with the Super League champions, suffered a ruptured bicep 10 minutes from the end of Newcastle Knights' 38-24 win over North Queensland at the weekend.

The 30-year-old Buderus will undergo scans and could be out of action for around six months if he needs surgery but Leeds coach Brian McClennan said he is confident he will play a full part for the Rhinos next year.

McClennan said at worst, Buderus could miss the opening month, though he remains hopeful the player will be available for the start of the campaign.

"It doesn't affect us at all this year," he said. "He isn't a Rhinos player yet but we are all very sad for him. It just shows that there's nothing certain in sport."

Dave Woods, the Australian who coached Castleford to the National League One title three years ago, has turned down an offer to coach Featherstone Rovers and committed his future to National Two champions Gateshead Thunder.