St Helens are currently in the play-off spots, but only by the skin of their teeth – they’re ahead of Leeds Rhinos on just points difference following defeat to Warrington Wolves.
Their fortunes this season certainly haven’t been helped by their injury list, which has seems to have been growing all season long.
With just two games to go, anything could happen – but with the Rhinos facing Wigan Warriors and Saints facing Castleford Tigers next week, they might be able to open up a two-point gap with their rivals for the play-offs.
Here’s a run-down of their latest injury situation.
Daryl Clark – Round 26
Credit: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com
Daryl Clark could be back for their game this week, after around a month out with a foot fracture.
He also suffered a minor muscle tear in July and had a knee injury early in the season.
His first season with Saints has been full of injuries, but when fit, he has impressed – Saints will be hoping they can rely on him for their end-of-season run-in.
Lewis Dodd – Round 26
As well as Clark, Dodd could be back this week after an elbow ligament injury.
Head coach Paul Wellens said, via Love Rugby League: “We’ve potentially got a few guys returning.
“A few of them trained this morning and did a tough session, so we’ll monitor their response to that.
“The likes of Daryl Clark and Lewis Dodd, we’ll see how they are during the course of the week.”
James Bell – Round 27
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Bell has been out for a while with a back injury but is expected to be back for the final round of the regular season.
He was last season’s Player of the Year for the club, but it’s currently unclear as to when he will be ready – his back injury has affected his calf strength, making a return to play risky.
Mark Percival – Round 27
Percival has been out since near the start of August due to an Achilles injury, and it’s still unclear as to when he will return to play.
However, a four to six-week layoff was suggested at the time – and that might just bring us to around Round 27 for a return to the field.
Curtis Sironen – TBC
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Sironen hasn’t played since the derby defeat to Wigan Warriors last month due to a calf injury.
Previously, he was expected to return to action in the next couple of weeks.
However, he will now return later than expected, Wellens has revealed: “He has had a bit of a setback, so Curtis probably won’t play in he regular rounds this year.
“He may have a chance – all being well – of making the first round of the play offs should we be taking part.”
Harry Robertson – TBC
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The young full-back was forced off the field against Warrington this weekend, and Wellens has said, via Love Rugby League: “Harry’s got a bit of an issue with his knee, which is why he had to leave the field and why Jack Welsby moved to full-back.
“The plan was not to play Jack at full-back at all because of the discussions we’d had with the physios (about his return).
“We’ll get Harry assessed, it’s hard to tell (how he is) at this moment in time.”
He’s been a revelation for St Helens, so they’ll be hoping for a swift return.
Alex Walmsley – TBC
A fresh injury concern after this weekend, Walmsley’s knee injury will be assessed – but we don’t currently know when he’s set to return.
