YOUNG Saints centre Josh Simm's first half hat-trick was the highlight of the 40-8 win over Leeds Rhinos.

With Mark Percival out for the season, Saints boss Kristian Woolf is running the rule over both Simm and Jack Welsby for the vacant left centre berth.

Last night Simm, the grandson of the late club legend Geoff Pimblett, took that audition up a notch with the first try - Saints' opener - in particular catching the eye.

St Helens Star:

Woolf said: "Young Simmy did a great job.

"He went the first couple of games where he put himself in a great position a number of times but didn’t quite get the pass.

"He’s gone a few games without quite getting one so to score three in one game is a terrific effort for a young bloke.

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"He has got some ability – he is a good player.

"He is only young and is going to get better and grow in confidence.

"He’ll get plenty more runs over the next week and will get plenty of confidence and will get a little bit better with each game."