St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has offered two key injury updates and revealed those in consideration to replace the suspended Jackson Hastings, whilst also addressing Jack Welsby’s status in the spine.
Saint travel to take on Leeds Rhinos at Headingley on Thursday night with the Red Vee having had a week to stew on what was a poor performance against Castleford Tigers, where they lost in disjointed fashion.
That game also came at a cost as Noah Stephens failed a head injury assessment whilst Jackson Hastings copped a two-game ban, and Rowley offered up an update on Stephens when speaking to the media on Wednesday,
Rowley explained: “He would need to get head clearance but he’s still struggling with some nerve damage in his shoulder so there are some more concerning issues in and around that and when that’s cleared up then we’ll get him cleared by the head specialist.”
That nerve damage was confirmed to be as a result of the tackle with Stephens an automatic HIA failure at Wheldon Road but he wasn’t the only injury update that Rowley offered.
St Helens set for Nene Macdonald boost
The Saints boss was also asked about Nene Macdonald and when the centre could return with the ex-Salford man having had a stop-start beginning to life at St Helens.
In positive news, Rowley confirmed: “He’s a couple of weeks (away) but just chatting to the staff there watching him run, he’s definitely running on top of the ground now and looking more like his old self.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen him looking like that so I’m getting excited about Nene’s return.”
Having brought him back for the game against York Knights only to lose him again, Rowley was clear that the club need to try and ensure that Macdonald is 100% fit before returning, albeit he admitted that’s not possible.
“Well we want to make sure for his benefit and for our benefit because he’s been very frustrated. He’s never experienced a recovery taking so long, so it’s been a bit of a frustrating time for him and obviously for us as well.
“We will make sure on this occasion that he’s up and running he’s ready to go but match fitness will only come with matches obviously. Nobody will be the finished article right at the beginning.”
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What Saints’ spine could look like as options addressed
As well as losing Stephens against Castleford, St Helens lost Jackson Hastings and that’s seen them name George Whitby as an option in the spine after the youngster shone on loan at Salford Red Devils.
On Whitby’s recent loan move and if it was a chance to see what Whitby was about, Rowley said: “I know what they’re all capable of but they’ve got to play rugby and play rugby at a level that’s probably a little bit higher than the reserves competition so it works a treat in that respect.
“Boys get out there and George, as you alluded to, went and got some good game time. His second half in particular in that fixture at Halifax was very good and like I said, he’s put himself in the mix.”
Another man in the mix, despite much debate over his best position, is Jack Welsby with the full-back also a chance at playing in the halves.
When asked about Welsby’s position, a tight-lipped Rowley responded: “I see him as a member of our spine and that’s good enough for me.
“I don’t see him playing a lot of positions, I see him playing as a member of our spine.”
Asked if fans and media attempt to pigeon-hole players into positions and if the reality is that the spine is much more fluid than many believe, Rowley admitted: “Yeah it is. It’s not for me to educate, you’ve got to do that yourself but yeah it is.
“Jack’s role hasn’t changed from being a full back so to speak. He defends in a different spot so the only difference for him is he’s defending in a different spot so but it’s whatever narrative you want to paint.”
