St Helens boss Kristian Woolf gives damning news on Mark Percival and Tommy Makinson

St Helens head coach Kristian Woolf has suffered a number of key injuries to his side in 2022.

With the likes of Lewis Dodd, Jonny Lomax and Mark Percival all having to spend a number of weeks and months on the sidelines, Woolf has been forced to reshuffle.

And, following the win over the Wigan Warriors at the Magic Weekend last Saturday, the Saints boss is having to do more of that for the visit of Huddersfield Giants as  both Percival and Tommy Makinson sit out for longer than expected.

“Mark Percival will be another three to four weeks maximum. Nothing has changed with the injury or re-injury but it is one that for whatever reason did not heal quite as quickly as what was first diagnosed,” Woolf said to Saints TV.

“The specialist’s advice that has been given says that it needs to take a little bit longer.

“That’ll be a three to four week return to play.

“Tommy Makinson will more likely be three weeks from now.”

Woolf also revealed that he wants to be more cautious with the injuries in order to ensure the duo are fit for the back end of the season.

“If we were playing finals in three weeks’ time it would have been impossible to keep Mark off the field.

“He feels good and feels like he can play now and that is frustrating for him, but we need to make sure we show due diligence and take the precautions to make sure that when he comes back there is no risk of re-injury.

“We have been a bit cautious with a number of players this year but think it is a smart move.

“These very good players are going to come back into the team later in the year and come back fresh and with a real spring in their step and a mentality of finishing the year strong.

“That is something we are looking forward to,” Woolf said.