Former Melbourne star Matt King is in the best form of his Super League career but the Warrington winger is refusing to take any notice of the plaudits coming his way.

King struggled to win over the critics in his first 18 months in England after his high-profile arrival but since former Leeds coach Tony Smith took charge a year ago, he hasn't looked back.

The 29-year-old played a leading role in their Challenge Cup success last season and has bagged six tries in his last three matches to help Warrington keep pace with Wigan at the top of the table.

And ahead of Friday's trip to St Helens, where Warrington have not won since March 1994, King said: "I'm really happy with my form and the club's form at the moment and that's all that matters to me.

"If some people are saying nice things about me then great but I don't listen to that as I didn't when I was copping a load of criticism.

"I knew things weren't going well for me when I first came over here but I've brushed all that off and I'm enjoying my rugby again," he said.

"It helps being in a winning team and long may that continue as there is a great feel about the club at the moment.

"But we are only six weeks into the season and no-one is getting ahead of themselves.

"We've got an incredibly tough game this week at Saints, who are always a quality outfit, and that's all we are focused on.

"We've not won at their place in a long time and it would be huge if we could go and do that this time."

Halfback Lee Briers is doubtful for the trip to Knowsley Road but ex-Gold Coast fullback Richie Mathers could earn a recall.

Saints expect to have former Penrith prop Tony Puletua back while ex-Sydney Roosters centre Sia Soliola could return after being injured in the opening day defeat to Hull.

Leeds, who have made a sorry start to the season, received another blow with the news that centre Kallum Watkins will be sidelined for the rest of the campaign with a knee injury.

The Rhinos, who have lost three of their first six games, face Hull KR on Friday and should have talismanic skipper Kevin Sinfield back from a dead leg.

Former New Zealand Warriors fullback Brent Webb insists the Rhinos are not panicking despite their slow start.

"There's still another 21 rounds to go in the season," said Webb.

"It's maybe more than people expect us to lose, but every team is going to have ups and downs.

"We have got to fix what we are doing, not worry about wins and scoreboards and just put things right on the field."

The Crusaders will hand rugby union import Gareth Thomas, who won 100 caps for Wales, his first taste of Super League when they welcome the struggling Catalans Dragons to Wrexham.

Under-fire coach Kevin Walters will have to do without Clint Greenshields for the next three months though after the former St George fullback broke his leg in the defeat to Castleford.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP