For the first time in 2026, St Helens have come through a game unscathed, after not picking up any injuries in the win over Wakefield this weekend.
Emerging as 18-12 victors in a 2nd v 3rd contest, the Red Vee went level on points with Leeds Rhinos at the top of the table, but the key positive to come from that game was a healthy squad.
Having every player come through a game fully fit isn’t usually a thing that gets highlighted, but with Saints’ injury issues this season that is something the club will not be taking for granted.
It only took 11 matches, but in each of those games to kick off 2026, Paul Rowley’s side have picked up at least one knock from every game, highlighting how unlucky they have been.
But, as the club prepare to take on York Knights this weekend, the Red Vee will be hoping this is the start of an up-turn in luck on the injury front having had a number of players return to the side in recent weeks.
Assistant boss Lee Briers spoke to the press today [Tuesday] to preview that game agaisnt the Knights, and he was delighted to reveal there were no injury concerns.
“[It’s] the very first time this year we’ve come through really well,” said the Warrington Wolves legend.
“We’ve just been on the field now and the boys are looking forward again.”
St Helens coach praises youngster after three-game try streak
With those players returning from injury, it is creating healthy selection headaches within the squad, something that is a refreshing change compared to some weeks earlier in the season.
“It was really important that we didn’t bring too many back too soon, Briers said. “There’ll be a few [more] coming back over the next little while.
“If we can integrate them again, ones and twos, it’s going to help with being consistent. There’s a few not too far off.”
“…They’re great headaches [to have]. It’s not going to be easy to leave people out because what we’ve done over the past little period has been sensational with young lads stepping up.”
One of those youngsters who who has stood out over the past few games is Jake Davies, who has crossed for tries in three consecutive matches.
The back rower came in for some added praise from Briers, who says you often forget how young he is given how professional and how mature the 19-year-old acts.
“You’ve just got to remember that he’s still very young in his years but also in his professional life.
“He’s been class. He’s stepped up,” Briers said on Saints’ young prospect. “Jake’s come in and done a tremendous job on the left edge.”
Asked if he was surprised by how quickly Davies has developed into a first-team player, the assistant boss replied: “Jake’s always had big reps from the academy and the reserve team coaches. We trust them guys and he’s had really good coaching here.
“He’s come in and he’s fitted in. We’re big at this club on whoever plays, fits into a system, has to do a job and Jake’s done that.”
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