Jack Welsby insists he is doing everything he can to try and return to action sooner than expected for St Helens. Welsby picked up a hamstring injury in the loss to Leigh Leopards last month and was initially ruled out for a period of two months.
It was a huge blow for Paul Wellens, whose side have been through the wringer in terms of injuries this season and with the Saints seeing Jonny Lomax banned for his actions in the same game, they have been playing without a chunk of their spine. The club have won the two games they have played since that defeat at Leigh, with key men returning to the fold.
However, it will be some time before Welsby is deemed fit enough to pull on the red vee once more, with the final game of the season against Leigh being initially earmarked. Welsby is optimistic that he might be able to squeeze in another game or two, though, ahead of the club’s play-off campaign.
“I’m hoping so, I’m trying my best,” he told Sky Sports when asked if he thought he could return early. “I’ve got my head into my rehab and taking it day by day.
“It feels like it’s getting better. I’m no expert in this part of the game, I’m not injured very much so I’m just doing what I’m told.”
Harry Robertson has picked up the full-back reins in Welsby’s absence over the last weeks and the youngster was the star man on Thursday night as he helped St Helens to a golden point win over Salford. It was Robertson’s run through the middle that laid the platform for Moses Mbye’s winning drop goal, too.
“I think he’s very exciting,” Welsby said before the contest. “His style of running, his elusive running is something that you can’t really teach. He’s coming in with loads of confidence and he’s a very laid back character which I think suits the position he’s playing and he’s got the world at his feet really.
“He needs to tidy up a couple of things, that will come with games and experience. He’s going to be a brilliant player for us in the future.”
