INJURIES to both first choice wingers meant that Mark Percival had to be shunted out to the wing on Sunday – but once he reverted to his natural centre spot he soon showed why big things are expected of him this year.

Coach Keiron Cunningham believes 2016 could be “the year of the Percival” saying only injuries could stop him making the England side for the autumn’s Four Nations.

With the natural skills of a classic centre – speed, a developing strength, good feet, an awareness of space and the ability to beat a man one-on-one with a shake of the hips – Percival is a key strike weapon in Saints’ armoury.

Cunningham said: “Percy would play good wherever you put him - if you put him front row he would play well.

“If he stays fit this year then he will be an international.

“The two best English centres in the Super League are Percy and Kallum Watkins.”

He was overlooked last year, with Steve McNamara opting to use Wigan back-rower John Bateman in the three-quarters.

This week Bateman himself told press that he does not want to play centres - but there is already a Percival shaped hole in that England.

Cunningham added: “What England did last year when they were juggling people about and playing people about of position, I could not believe they did not give Percy a crack at it or at least put him in the squad.

“Percy and Watkins are the best English centres in the competition.”

He said England’s loss was his gain, echoing something Liam Farrell had suggested that the heavy number of England call-ups the previous year had affected their season.

Cunningham explained: “I am happy when they don’t get picked – the year Robes said he didn’t want to tour Australia benefited us.

“I would much rather have them here in the winter so you can put stuff into them.

“It is all well and good putting internationals into your squad but when they are sat at home until the back end of January then its no good.”

But that is a side issue. Percival’s natural growth and additional strength training has now completed the physical parts of his game.

“All we do as coaches is put the things into Percy that he is not naturally good at, but if you sat down and spoke to him he probably wouldn’t understand.

“Like all great players he probably doesn’t realise why he is so good. It is instinct with him.

“He has a real awareness of space by the bucketload, he moves on the pass and always finds space. He has trained the house down in the winter, and is bigger, stronger and quicker.

“Youd like to think it is the year of the Percival and that he will be in contention for international honours,” Cunningham said.