St Helens have been dealt some key injury concerns ahead of their clash with Bradford Bulls, and as a result, it leaves boss Paul Rowley with some selection headaches.
Saints were forced to make four changes to their 21-man squad yesterday, and all four players have played key roles in the season so far, meaning the Red Vee will be significantly hampered when they head to Odsal.
The big-name absentee is Daryl Clark, who misses out. The England international hooker will miss just his second game of the season, though it is unconfirmed why he is absent this week.
Joining him on the sidelines are centre Mark Percival, who picked up a hamstring issue in the win over Huddersfield Giants, Matt Whitley and George Whitby.
Both Whitley and Whitby were set to play against Huddersfield, but both pulled out in the captain’s run the day before the game.
Whitley is potentially out for the season, whilst Whitby will need further assessment for his injury.
In their place come two potential debutants in Jacob Douglas and Billy Keeley. Prop Alfie Sinclair is also included, as is Jake Burns, the hooker who was injured in the Challenge Cup Round Three victory over Castleford Tigers back in March.
With all those changes, we have opted to take a look at how Saints could line up this week at Bradford, and there are some big calls to be made, especially at hooker.
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How St Helens could line up against Bradford Bulls
Starting at full-back, Jack Welsby should keep his spot, with the England international back playing in his natural position. As a result, it means Tristan Sailor remains in the halves alongside Jackson Hastings, who returned from suspension last week.
With no Deon Cross, Lewis Murphy or Kyle Feldt, the latter of which has left the club, Jacob Douglas could come in for a start on the wing. That move would push Nene MacDonald into the centres, after he made a try-scoring return on the wing last week. Harry Robertson and Owen Dagnall are expected to retain their places.
In the forwards, with Daryl Clark out there are a number of options for Rowley to choose from. Burns would be the natual replacement, but after over three months out it would be a big risk to start him. Tom Humphreys has made cameo appearances at nine, but again it would be a big risk.
Joe Shorrocks could be the one to fill in, with one of the aforementioned two coming off the bench. Shorrocks has played a little bit of hooker in the past, and is a strong passer of the ball, as well as a workhorse in defence.
Should that change happen, David Klemmer would then move to loose forward, with a start coming for either George Delaney or Daniel Suluka-Fifita.
Jacob Host is still waiting for a return to action after breaking his leg in the win over Bradford back in March.
St Helens predicted XIII to face Bradford Bulls:Â Jack Welsby; Owen Dagnall, Harry Robertson, Nene MacDonald, Jacob Douglas; Tristan Sailor, Jackson Hastings; Alex Walmsley, Joe Shorocks, George Delaney; Curtis Sironen, Jacob Host, David Klemmer
Bench:Â Jake Burns, Shane Wright, Jake Davies, Daniel Suluka-Fifita
Missing out:Â Alfie Sinclair, Tom Humphreys, Billy Keeley, Deacon Swarbrick
