Laffranchi given leave by St Helens

St Helens forward Anthony Laffranchi will miss today’s match at Castleford after being granted compassionate leave.

Laffranchi, 32, has made 18 appearances for Saints this season, scoring seven tries, and has been replaced in the 19-man squad by Stuart Howarth.

A club statement said: “Boof will return home immediately and everyone at Saints sends him their best wishes.”

The Australia is in his second season at Langtree Park having arrived from Gold Coast Titans at the start of 2012.