After St Helens progressed to the Challenge Cup semi-finals, their start to the season has been hailed but a major dilemma has been highlighted.
Saints defeated Catalans Dragons 36-4 but it was a win that brought about more injuries with Jake Wingfield and Lewis Murphy suffering suspected ACL and elbow injuries, respectively.
That’s been the story of St Helens’ season, winning whilst injured, and that was something that pundit Jon Wilkin hailed when appearing on the BBC’s Challenge Cup coverage.
“I think Paul Rowley will be delighted with how the season has started,” Wilkin admitted.
“There have been ups and downs but to have so many troops out, get some good results and be in a Challenge Cup semi-final, with the potential of all that quality coming back into the team.
“I think he’ll be happy with where they’re at, knowing that they’ve got that heavy artillery to come back in.”
St Helens facing key Jack Welsby dilemma
One of those players who will return in the coming weeks and months is full-back Jack Welsby with the England international suffering a dislocated shoulder in round one of Super League.
Whilst Welsby will be a welcome returnee, both Wilkin and fellow pundit Kevin Brown pointed to the positional dilemma it creates with Tristan Sailor having found his feet at full-back in Welsby’s absence.
Brown explained: “I think Tristan Sailor, by default because of the injury to Jack Welsby, has found his position in that hybrid role.
“The question mark for me is what are they going to be like when there are so many different headaches for Paul Rowley, when he’s not scratching for a team and he’s got a litter of stars.
“Saints are in a good position. They’re playing that Rowley brand but without some key positions.”
Wilkin took it as a positive, asking: “Isn’t it a nice dilemma to have to know where to pick Jack Welsby?. That’s a beautiful dilemma to have. He can play anywhere.”
In 2025, Sailor found himself shunted to the wing at times, however, it’s likely that he will revert to being an outright six when the England star returns.
Super League Rivals Round madness, broken video referee system and Challenge Cup predictions – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
