Paul Wellens reveals his selection approach for Castleford

Paul Wellens may now officially be a World Champion as a coach but he is already focused on being Castleford Tigers on Sunday as his St Helens side return to Super League.

He best summed this up by talking about balancing the media duties that have come their way and the game itself on Channel 4:

“We’ve been inundated with media requests but we’ve got to get ready for Castleford on Sunday and perform well and that’s the most important thing for us.”

Wellens also gave an update on Tommy Makinson after his head injury in the win over Penrith:

“He wasn’t happy, players want to play in big games. He is a real big game player. We’re at a point know where we understand head injuries now, the game has moved on and it’s about welfare. It was a decision made in his best interest whether he agreed with it at the time.

“Yeah he won’t be available this weekend, he has got to go through the protocol.

“It is a blow losing a player of his calibre but as we saw last week, players can come in and do a good job.”

Many have suggested that the Saints could play a weakened team including former Saint Kyle Amor who said on BBC Five Live:

“Talk about coming back down to earth with a bang, you go from that to going down to Castleford on Sunday. I’ve seen on social media that they were in Bangkok yesterday having a few beers by the river. What that game will have done, not only mentally there’ll be a hangover but there probably will be an alcoholic hangover as well.

“They’ve got to get ready and it wouldn’t surprise me if a lot of the young kids end up rolling out like they did last year. It’s important to celebrate that win, they’ve been away from their families for three weeks as well. I think if I was Wello I’d be giving anyone with a knock and try get them rested up for that home game against Leeds.”

However, Wellens revealed that , though those who are injured will not be risked, he will be naming his strongest possible side.

That said, it seems James Roby won’t feature as he gets a scan:

“There’s a few with bumps and bruises and getting scans. James Roby has gone for scans. We’ll make a late call on James.

“We’re understanding that there’s a lot of rugby to be played. We don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on players where we don’t have to be my mindset is going with our strongest possible 17.”

He also confirmed Joe Batchelor’s ankle injury and surgery will keep him out long term:

“Joe Batchelor is going to be out for long term.