Justin Holbrook provides injury update on Alex Walmsley

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook said it would be a bonus if Alex Walmsley was to return from injury this year.

The England international suffered a fractured neck in Saints’ win at Warrington Wolves back in March.

Walmsley has been doing rehabilitation work since and Holbrook hopes that his front-rower will play again this year.

He said: “Alex got his scan last week and whilst he is progressing well, they want to see some more bone healing before he can fully return.

“He will be back for another scan in a few weeks. We were hoping to get great news on that and get him on the field early but we will have to see in a few weeks’ time.

“He is going great in training but it is in the hands of the specialist as it should be. As a coach, I would love to have him on the field but we have to make sure he is right.

“The main thing is that as soon as he is well, he will return. If it is this year it is a bonus. We always thought it would be but now we will find out in a few weeks.

“He has done everything to suggest he can play but he has to wait to take part in full contact sessions. His long-term future is more important but once he is right he will be ready to go.”

Saints will look to bounce back from their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Catalans Dragons when they host Huddersfield Giants in the first round of the Super 8s on Friday, 8pm kick-off.