St Helens will be without key playmaker Jackson Hastings for the next two matches, after he was handed a suspension from the Match Review Panel earlier this week.
Hastings has been ever-present for Saints this season, and he has been the constant in a heavily re-jigged spine throughout the start of 2026.
With full-backs and stand-offs constantly changing, Hastings has played 14 of his 15 games so far in the seven position, and he is a huge reason as to why Saints are currently sitting joint-top of the Super League table.
However, with crucial games against Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves, both of whom Saints share top spot with, Hastings’ absence will need to be replaced accordingly, and it will mean yet another spine partnership for Paul Rowley to deal with.
Wigan Warriors selection drama, Bradford’s controversial ‘no try’ call and Las Vegas Teams revealed – Click here to listen to the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
St Helens potential spine replacements after Hastings suspension
George Whitby:
The obvious, but perhaps not the safest, choice would be to bring in young George Whitby and allow him to have a run in the first team. After playing a huge role in Salford’s comeback win over Halifax at the weekend, he looks ready to return to the top flight, but with Jack Welsby and Tristan Sailor playing so inconsistently, you feel there needs to be an experienced head in the spine to help them out.
Jonny Lomax:
Not many people have more experience than a man who recently celebrated his 400th career appearance. Lomax has been out with injury for most of the season, but has featured in the five matches.
He was handed the starting number seven shirt at the beginning of the season, however he is more used to playing at stand-off rather than scrum-half, so whilst he does have experience, perhaps Whitby is more suited to being the general of the team given that is his more favourable position.
Why not both?
Hastings out of the team is a chance for someone to step up, but with him gone for two games, Rowley has an ideal opportunity to fully re-jig the spine and use both Whitby and Lomax together.
That would obviously mean that one of Welsby or Sailor needs to be dropped, but with neither being able to work well together, and two huge games coming up, having two dedicated halves in the side is vital.
There is no questioning that individually, both Welsby and Sailor are impressive players, but together they can’t seem to find that spark, and it is starting to hinder the team.
