Rugby League Reshuffle: St Helens Prepare for Wigan Clash at Magic Weekend
As the St. Helens Saints gear up to face their rivals, the Wigan Warriors, at the upcoming Magic Weekend event held at Elland Road, the team finds itself grappling with a shuffle in its spine. Injuries and suspensions have left head coach Paul Wellens with a limited pool of options to choose from, testing the depth of the squad.
The Saints recently enjoyed a confidence-boosting 17-16 victory over the Salford Red Devils, but the good news was quickly followed by setbacks. Hooker Daryl Clark (foot) and halfback Lewis Dodd (elbow) are now facing at least a month on the sidelines, while center Mark Percival is expected to be out for up to six weeks with an Achilles injury.
These casualties join the previously injured Jack Welsby (hamstring) and the suspended captain Jonny Lomax, who still has two games left to serve of his three-match ban. The sheer number of injuries and suspensions has put Wellens in a tricky position when it comes to selecting the spine of his team.
“The loss of the influential Morgan Knowles, who has been hit with a two-match penalty notice, also leaves a gap at loose forward.”
However, the Saints have found a silver lining in the emergence of 18-year-old Harry Robertson, who has made a seamless transition to Super League and is expected to retain his fullback role for the Wigan clash. The halfback conundrum is where Wellens is facing the toughest decisions.
With Welsby, Lomax, and Dodd unavailable, the experienced Moses Mbye is likely to take on the No. 7 role, but Wellens has several options to partner him in the halves. Ben Davies, who has played in that position before, could be the obvious choice, while academy product Will Roberts and highly-rated playmaker George Whitby are also in the running.
In the absence of the injured Daryl Clark, Wellens might be tempted to deploy James Bell, known for his tackling and defensive work, at hooker. Alternatively, he could start Bell at loose forward, with Jake Burns providing an attacking spark from the bench.
Wellens may opt to field a front-rower in the 13 role, with the powerful Agnatius Paasi a potential candidate, to add more size and physicality to the middle of the pitch for the derby clash against Wigan.
As the Saints navigate this injury crisis, Wellens and his coaching staff will need to carefully consider their options and select a team capable of overcoming their fierce rivals at Magic Weekend.
đź”— Source
