midmatch

ST HELENS star Matty Lees left in the middle of Saturday’s crunch play-off clash against Leeds Rhinos.

Rugby league fans were left gobsmacked when they saw Lees, 27, making his way out of the AMT Headingley Stadium during half-time.

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The prop left in his tracksuit while Saints were trailing 12-6 to the home side.

However, it was quickly reported by Sky Sports that the England international had received news that his wife Beth was going into labour.

Fans quickly took to social media to wish the happy couple all the best.

One rugby league enthusiast tweeted: “Good luck Matty, see you next week.”

Another commented: “Fair play to him.”

A third wrote: “Good luck.”

This fan said: “All the best!”

And that one wished: “Wishing you and Beth absolute happiness.”

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St Helens managed to fight back in the second half and went on to turn things around with a 16-14 victory.

Lees has been a pivotal figure for Saints this season, missing only two Super League games.

St Helens coach Paul Wellens revealed the baby wasn’t due before Sunday but had an agreement with his player that if things changed he would be allowed to leave.

Wellens said after the game with the Rhinos: “His partner was due to be induced tomorrow but things transpired [differently].

“You can’t have a word with the baby inside and ask it just to hold off for a few hours, so things gathered pace quicker than thought.

“I spoke with Matty in the week and it was really important that he’s there for the birth of his child.

“It’s an important rugby game and yes we’d love him to be there, but he makes sacrifices to perform for us and the most important thing is he was there.

“We had a very clear plan during the week and we were comfortable that if he had to leave, he would leave. When that moment came, we made what I feel is the right decision.

“It’s difficult for him in that situation. You need to be there for your partner, but at the same time you think you’re letting the boys down.

“He needs to know he’s not letting the boys down, because he never does.”

ENGLAND will have their ODI clash against South Africa HALTED mid-match.

Harry Brook and Co are in action on Sunday, September 7 at the Utilita Bowl in the final game of the series.

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South Africa won the opening contest with a seven-wicket victory after bowling England out for just 131 after 24.3 overs.

And in the second match, South Africa beat England by five runs to win the ODI series.

The third and final game is a dead rubber, but it will see a delay to action due to an emergency alert test on everybody’s phones.

Why will England vs South Africa be delayed?

The government are planning to send a loud siren to mobiles and tablets across the nation on Sunday at 3pm.

But do not panic, as the emergency alert you will see and hear will only be a test.

It will come through even if your phone is on silent.

The alarm will go off for around ten seconds.

The plan is for the cricket to be paused at 3pm to ensure it does not distract the players.

What have the English Cricket Board said?

An ECB spokesperson said: “Plans are in place to ensure fans attending the Utilita Bowl on Sunday are aware of the national test of the emergency alerts system, which is due to take place during the third England Men’s Metro Bank ODI vs South Africa.

“We will work with match officials ahead of the game and take appropriate action depending on the state of the game.

“Fans will be kept updated with in-stadia announcements as the game progresses.”

Why is the alert test happening?

The government are testing the system as they believe it “serves a crucial purpose in keeping the public safe”.

It is used in extreme circumstances when to warn people of a danger to life.

You may remember when it was tested before on April 23, 2023.

Since the initial test, FIVE real alerts during major storms have been sent to those needed.

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