What options St Helens have as third starting back injured and out for weeks

St Helens are going through a rough spell of injuries that is very reminiscent of the one that derailed their season in 2024 but at the moment, it’s almost exclusively backs who are out.

Paul Wellens has a wealth of riches when healthy and it looked like that would be the case but then the rugby league and injury gods had other ideas. It was confirmed that Jack Welsby will be out for the next four months with a knee injury, whilst news of Lewis Murphy’s eight-week lay-off came at the same time.

Since then, the Red Vee have announced that centre Mark Percival has had surgery on his ankle meaning that he will miss the next five to six weeks.

Konrad Hurrell still awaits his first Super League appearance of the season as he looks to regain fitness out on loan with Bradford Bulls, whilst St Helens’ spine has also chopped and changed throughout the year.

With the three major aforementioned injuries, we’ve looked at what options Paul Wellens has at his disposal for the coming weeks and months,

St Helens backline options after triple injury blow

Kyle Feldt

Despite being out since mid-March after surgery on a ruptured ligament in his hand, he is due to be back in June after three months on the sidelines. When fully fit, it’s likely that he will go straight into his usual spot on the wing, replacing Tristan Sailor, who’s been filling in there in recent weeks.

Konrad Hurrell

Hurrell has been out injured for two months following a hamstring injury suffered when on dual registration at Halifax Panthers. He did return to play for Swinton Lions at the start of June, but could be in contention for a recall at St Helens if his loan stint with Bradford Bulls proves fruitful.

Jon Bennison

Bennison had been starting in Lewis Murphy’s spot on the wing when out injured, featuring in nine Super League games in that time, but has since missed out. Could he return in that spot? He’s been overlooked at times at St Helens over the years, but is always willing when called upon.

Tristan Sailor

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster start to Sailor’s St Helens career, coming over as a halfback before eventually moving to fullback and then out on the wing. Arguably, his stint at fullback didn’t impress Saints fans, but with Jack Welsby now out then he may return there.

Jonny Vaughan

Vaughan is on loan at Salford Red Devils for the 2025 season to get some game time, but could be recalled if Saints get really short on numbers in the outside backs.

Tee Ritson

Ritson has spent the entire 2025 season so far back on loan to his former side, Barrow Raiders. His spell at St Helens never quite got under way and with his contract ending at the end of the season, it’s unlikely that Wellens will recall him before considering other options.

Harry Robertson

It’s a shame that Harry Robertson lost his centre spot when Deon Cross moved to the club, as he was arguably their best player this season so far. However, you don’t sign someone like Deon Cross and not play him! At just 19, he transitioned from fullback into the centres with the amount of outside back injuries the side had at the time. Could he make a return to the side to replace Welsby as their number one for the next four months or continue in the centres? He’s certainly a great option to have.

Dayon Sambou

Another centre that has moved onto the wing, Sambou made his St Helens debut back in March could be next in line for a shot if injuries persist.

Deon Cross

Since his move from Salford Red Devils, Cross has made four appearances, all in the centres. Depending on Kyle Feldt’s return, he could move back to the wing or remain inside.