Rugby League Crisis at St Helens as Injury List Grows
St Helens are facing a significant pack crisis as their injury list continues to mount, putting coach Paul Wellens in a challenging position ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
The defending champions suffered further blows last weekend, with Jonny Lomax and Joe Batchelor both picking up injuries in their victory over Leeds. Wellens is expected to provide an update on the pair’s status during his weekly press conference on Tuesday, but early indications suggest Batchelor and Lomax could face extended spells on the sidelines.
This comes at a time when St Helens are already missing several key forwards, including Alex Walmsley, Morgan Knowles, Jake Wingfield, and Matt Whitley, all of whom have undergone recent surgical procedures. The Saints are now extremely thin in the pack, with Batchelor likely to join the growing injury list.
Wellens’ options are limited, with Sam Royle and Jonny Vaughan the most likely candidates to fill the void left by Batchelor’s absence. The coach may also consider moving James Bell from his usual position at 13 to the back row.
The team’s woes extend beyond the pack, as the potential loss of Lomax to a fractured hand would further exacerbate their problems. If Lomax is sidelined, Moses Mbye is expected to take over the half-back duties, while the Saints may need to call upon young half-back George Whitby to provide cover off the bench.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for St Helens, as the imminent return of Agnatius Paasi could provide a much-needed boost to their forward pack. Wellens has emphasized that Paasi’s comeback will be gradual and carefully managed, but the experienced prop’s presence could prove invaluable as the Saints navigate this injury crisis.
“As St Helens prepare to face one of the league’s biggest sides, the Catalans Dragons, Wellens and his team will need to dig deep and draw upon their resilience to overcome the challenges they currently face. The road ahead may be difficult, but the Saints’ faithful will be hoping their team can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.”
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