St Helens forward set for “few weeks” on the sidelines

St Helens coach Paul Wellens has revealed young forward Jake Wingfield is facing a couple of weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

The 21-year-old has made five appearances for Saints this season, including their World Club Challenge win in Penrith.

However, he isn’t part of Wellens’ side to take on Huddersfield on Thursday due to the injury.

Speaking to the St Helens media team, Wellens said: “Jake has picked up a bit of a shoulder injury. He has had a scan on it but it is probably going to take a couple of weeks to get it right.

“We need to have a bit more of an in depth look in to that before we make an official prognosis.

“Unfortunately Jake can’t play but what it does do is it gives someone else an opportunity and that bloke tonight is Sam Royle, so we’re really pleased for him.”

St Helens will welcome back three key players for their trip to Huddersfield.

Wellens added: “It’s always a boost to get quality players back in the team and in Konny (Hurrell), Sione (Mata’utia) and Will (Hopoate) we certainly have that so we’re delighted to have them back.”

Saints will be without Morgan Knowles though. The England international is serving a one-match suspension handed to him by the Rugby Football League’s match review panel.

As a result, Scotland international James Bell gets the opportunity to start in his preferred position of loose forward.

Wellens said: “It’s his preferred position and the position he gets excited about playing the most so we’re delighted to give James that opportunity tonight in Morgs’ absence and he’s ready to go.”

The boss chats about getting Hopoate, Hurrell and Mata’utia back in his starting squad, and also gives an update on Jake Wingfield#COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking pic.twitter.com/PLiHoEkSov

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) March 23, 2023

Paul Wellens hails St Helens stalwart

Saints fan favourite Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook will make his 350th appearance in the Red V against Huddersfield on Thursday night.

Wellens paid tribute to the 37-year-old, saying: “It’s astonishing. We can’t speak highly enough of Louie and what he’s achieved for the club.

“Sometimes you forget he’s 37 because of the energy and enthusiasm that he brings to the team, but we are absolutely delighted that he can reach such a milestone. It’s a very proud moment for him.”

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