St Helens captain James Roby set for scan

St Helens may be World Champions but they have returned from Australia with more than their fair share of worries especially in terms of injury concerns.

In one worry for Saints, skipper James Roby is set for a scan:

“There’s a few with bumps and bruises and getting scans,” coach Paul Wellens revealed, “James Roby has gone for scans. We’ll make a late call on James.

“We’re understanding that there’s a lot of rugby to be played. We don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on players where we don’t have to be my mindset is going with our strongest possible 17 against Castleford.”

Wellens has now also revealed that Joe Batchelor will be out for two months after an ankle injury against St George Illawarra Dragons which required surgery: “Joe Batchelor is going to be out for long term.

“We’re thinking about 8-10 weeks, probably more 10. It is disappointing but part of the game. It is one of the things we have to deal with.

“Knowing Joe like we do here, he is a top professional so will do everything he can to get back on the field sooner rather than later.”

He also gave an update on Tommy Makinson after his head injury:

“He wasn’t happy, players want to play in big games. He is a real big game player. We’re at a point know where we understand head injuries now, the game has moved on and it’s about welfare. It was a decision made in his best interest whether he agreed with it at the time.

“Yeah he won’t be available this weekend, he has got to go through the protocol.

“It is a blow losing a player of his calibre but as we saw last week, players can come in and do a good job.”