GREAT Britain forward Jon Wilkin says St Helens will be treating their recent slump as a reality check when they take on Brisbane Broncos tomorrow.

The Super League champions go into the Carnegie World Club Challenge at Bolton's Reebok Stadium under a cloud, having lost back-to-back matches for the first time for more than 12 months.

Wilkin, suspended for striking Giants captain Chris Thorman during Saints' opening win at the Galpharm Stadium, was forced to watch in frustration from the stands as his teammates went down 14-6 at home to Harlequins and then 29-22 at Wakefield last Sunday.

The Broncos are 11-4 on favourites with William Hill to become the first Australian winners since Sydney Roosters in 2003.

The Saints' worrying loss of form has seen them drift out to 2-1 outsiders to repeat their 2001 victory over but Wilkin, left, remains upbeat.

"It's hard because we've not been used to it over the last 12 months," he said.

"But I think it's been good for us because it's given us a little check and made us realise we've got a lot of improvement in us as individuals.

"We're obviously disappointed with our form coming into the game, but everything can change within a day."

Wilkin will make a welcome return along with New Zealand Test prop Jason Cayless, and there could be a surprise comeback for skipper Paul Sculthorpe as Saints look to topple the Australian champions.

Key men Keiron Cunningham and Maurie Fa'asavalu are sidelined through injury, and Jason Hooper will only play in an emergency.

"We started the year knowing we would have injuries and we're confident the people who come in can do a job," said Wilkin.

"It's been a frustrating couple of weeks but it has given me a good focus. Since I received the ban, my only focus has been this game. It's given me a good goal to aim for.

"I've got some idea of what's been going wrong. There has not been a big change in our game. We are looking to just tweak things slightly for tomorrow.

"It's going to be tough because they are probably the best team in world rugby, and to be given an opportunity to play against them is a great honour."

* There will be a big-screen live viewing of the game at the George Hotel tomorrow night.

The event starts at 7pm and costs £10, including refeshments, and for booking and further details contact 07789 047378.