St Helens’ young talent George Whitby is set to undergo surgery on his knee with assistant coach Lee Briers confirming that the playmaker’s season could be done.
Whitby was one of two players who pulled out in the captain’s run ahead of last week’s game against Huddersfield and whilst Matt Whitley (wrist) has been confirmed to be out for the year, there’s still some hope that Whitby could return.
Briers put the timescale of his recovery at eight to 16 weeks with the huge difference being dependent on how well the surgery goes. Of course, the Super League Grand Final will be played in early October so anything over 12 or 13 weeks would likely end his season.
Speaking in the club’s pre-match presser, Briers confirmed: “Unfortunately, George has had a knee. If not had it, he’s due to have a knee operation in the next couple of days.”
On timescale, he’d add: “It could be anything from eight to 16 weeks. When they go in, they’ll make that decision.”
“Unfortunately, George has had a knee. If not had it, he’s due to have a knee operation in the next couple of days.
“Wall love George and we’ll get him back as quick as we can. I’m sure George will be thoroughly with his rehabbing and whatnot and he’ll be back in no time.”
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It’s yet another big blow for the young half who has been in and out of the team and has even played on loan in the Championship, however, Briers pointed to the fact that it could help build Whitby’s resilience.
He said: “Injuries are part of the game. You have to overcome adversity and as a half-back, there’s a lot of adversity that goes your way. Wins or losses is down to a half-back.
“We’re disappointed for George, but also disappointed for the club because we have put a lot of time with George. We hold him in high regard but George will come back stronger.
“We’ll do some work around developing him as a person, making sure that he understands the game more in vision, making sure that we’re doing a lot of classroom work with him. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to go out on the field and do that, but making sure when he comes back, that he’s a better player for this injury.”
Whilst the club will have to wait to see if Whitby’s season is over, they have confirmed that Matt Whitley has seen his season end due to a wrist injury with the second-rower another who pulled up in last week’s captains run.
“It’s three months,” Briers confirmed, adding: “It’s a ligament in his wrist, which is the worst one, really. It’s like an ACL of the wrist.
“He’s been fantastic, Matt. He’s been absolutely fantastic. Again, all that does is give somebody else an opportunity.”
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