St Helens have issued injury timescales on two of their overseas stars, with updates being provided on both Nene MacDonald and Curtis Sironen.
MacDonald has been struggling with a knee issue since the opening few rounds of the season, and had to be withdrawn early in his two most recent appearances against Catalans and Bradford.
The PNG star managed just over an hour in Perpignan, before being taken off around 25 minutes into the victory over the Bulls.
Saints assistant boss Lee Briers has confirmed the latest on the former Salford man, with MacDonald becoming yet another injured player that Saints have to contend with.
“Nene had an operation yesterday [Tuesday],” said Briers. “He’s looking to be around the six-week mark. Unfortunately, he’s had to have that knee operation, but by all accounts, the operation was a success. He’s around the six-week mark [for return].”
Another recent injury casualty is back rower Curtis Sironen, who picked up a calf injury in the Challenge Cup win over Castleford Tigers. Sironen joins fellow forwards Alex Walmsley, Matty Lees and Jacob Host on the sidelines, with Paul Rowley’s pack coming down to the bare bones.
“I believe it’s anywhere in the region of four to six weeks,” Briers said on the former Manly man. “The calf one’s a tricky one… Knowing Curtis, he’ll be diligent in his rehab and making sure when he’s ready.
“We trust Curtis. He’s an experienced player. He’ll tell us when he’s ready.”
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St Helens coach reveals latest on Matty Lees and Alex Walmsley
In other injury news, Briers confirmed that all of the club’s long-term injury casualties are progressing well in their rehab, and are on track to meet their scheduled return dates.
The loss of Walmsley, Lees and Jack Welsby have all been huge blows for the club, but the Red Vee won’t have to wait any longer than expected for those starts to be back on the field, which should be just after the Easter period.
As for last week’s concussion casualties Daryl Clark and Jake Burns, Briers also provided a positive update on those as well.
“They’re on track. They’ve obviously got to go through the HIA return to play, so they’re in full spirit. I was with them both today. Honestly, they’re both fine.”
