St Helens have defended their decision to field a weakened side against Bradford Bulls in an attempt to prevent being taken to a tribunal for breaking the laws of the game.

The club had been requested by Super League officials to explain why a weakened side was fielded in a Super League match against Bradford a week before the Challenge Cup final.

Saints coach Ian Millward, who left 12 regulars out of the side, is also being investigated after his team played the last 25 minutes of the match with just 12 men.

Saints chief executive Brian Kelly said: "We have completed our reply and we don't believe there is a case to answer."

The club were initially asked to provide detailed evidence of their injury list by last Wednesday.

But Saints said it would have hampered their preparations for the Murrayfield final.

"We did it yesterday and it took us over a half a day. There is no way we could have done it last week," said Millward.

Millward also revealed at a news conference at Knowsley Road that Saints finished recent League matches against London Broncos and Hull with 12 players.

Meanwhile, St Helens look certain to be below strength for Friday's home match against Halifax.

"We might have a couple missing but there are others looking for an opportunity to play, people like Sonny Nickle, Ade Gardner, Mike Bennett and Mark Edmondson," said Millward.

"We've got three games in seven days and we've got take that into account."