MARK Percival may not have featured in the three-match Test series against New Zealand, but he has still earned the praise of England boss Wayne Bennett.

England went with Jake Connor and Oliver Gildart in the centres for the series, with Percival unable to press his claims from his one appearance against France.

Nevertheless, Bennett remarked that he has seen a huge improvement in the Saints centre.

Bennett said: "He is a much improved player and his coach Justin Holbrook has done a really good job on him since he has been there.

"When Mark first came into the squad he was certainly not the player he is now.

"When the new coach came in at St Helens there were a few things he needed to get better at and Mark has done that.

"He is wonderful to work with, a pleasure to coach and knows I have got confidence in him.

"I was just looking for different things in this series – but I can’t tell you how much he has improved. He is on the right track."