St Helens coach Mick Potter has paid tribute to Leon Pryce for staying strong during his much-publicised court case.

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The club's directors issued the England stand-off with a formal warning after he admitted assault but stopped short of adding to his punishment and Potter praised the character of his influential playmaker.

"It's credit to his character that he hasn't allowed things to become a distraction," said Potter.

Pryce, 27, avoided a prison sentence when he returned to court last Thursday and was instead ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a man in Bradford last summer.

Saints say that was sufficient punishment after taking into account the fact that he showed genuine remorse for his actions.

The controversy has not adversely affected Pryce, who has scored five tries in four appearances since admitting the offence and will line up against Wigan at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Potter added: "He's a good person by nature and he's one of the best players in Super League. I think he can make a real good contribution to St Helens.

"He's leading the tryscoring list, his defence is very, very good and his kicking game is good.

"There are not too many things he needs to get better at, although he's still trying to improve his game."

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