Meli won 14 caps for New Zealand before switching to play for Samoa

St Helens winger Francis Meli will not be thrown straight back into Super League action following his two-month wait for a new visa.

The 29-year-old, who won 14 caps with the Kiwis before switching to play for Samoa for the 2008 World Cup, returned to training with Saints on Wednesday.

Coach Mick Potter said Meli is not lacking fitness but left him out of his squad to face Leeds on Friday.

"A hit-out in the reserves will do him the world of good," said Potter.

"He's not looking in too bad a shape but stepping off a plane on Tuesday and expecting him to be right for Friday is a bit much.

606: DEBATE Meli was one of our strongest and most consistent performers for the second part of last season southeysaint

"We did a little bit of strength testing with him yesterday and he's right up there with the top five per cent of our players. He's looking pretty awesome, gym-wise."

Meli's last appearance for St Helens came in their 24-16 Grand Final defeat by Leeds in October 2008.

He has missed the first five rounds of the new season and, in his absence, Potter has used teenagers Tom Armstrong and Gary Wheeler on the left flank.

Meli signed for Saints from New Zealand Warriors at the start of the 2006 season.

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