NATHAN Brown has confirmed that Kyle Amor will miss the next three months with a knee injury – but there is better news on Jordan Turner.
The duo suffered injuries in the Cup loss to Leeds last month and the prognosis wasn’t good.
But scans have revealed Kyle’s injury is not season ending as was feared and Turner hasn’t broken his foot.
“When Jordan’s injury was scanned we discovered it wasn’t a bone break but ligament damage,” Brown said. “It is coming along well and it is a short term injury.
“Kyle will be out for three months with his knee which, as bad as it sounds, means he might come back and play at the end of the year. That is a bonus for us. There are hurdles to overcome but at the moment they don’t think it requires surgery.
“Anthony Laffranchi has nerve damage in his arm and we don’t know when he will be back but Willie Manu is about a month away with a broken thumb.”
He continued: “Mark Percival is probably about two weeks away – he had a nasty caulk that had fluid in it. Gary Wheeler had a nasty caulk too and he will miss this week but will be fit moving forward.
“And Richie Beaumont is making improvements too which is great. It’s been disappointing for him but the fact he is showing improvements for the first time in a while is good.”
Injuries do have a flipside though as the likes of Joe Greenwood, Luke Thompson and Matty Dawson (pictured) can once again gain valuable game time and experience.
Brown added: “Joe is a regular player now and is coming off the bench whilst Luke is putting his name forward too. Matty Dawson seems to be fitting in well and is taking his opportunity.
“The challenge for them now is to be consistent.
“The reality is we wouldn’t be where we are on the ladder if last year didn’t occur. The likes of Adam Swift, Mark Percival, Joe and Thommo got that experience. They came into pre-season, know what is required and are improving.”
Saints travel to Bradford on Sunday (3pm) aiming to keep up the pressure on Leeds at the top of the table.
The Bulls are in form having turned over Catalan and Warrington in the last two weeks – and will have players returning to action.
Both Chev Walker and Manase Manuokafoa are in contention to play.
“They performed well against Catalans who had lost just one game in recent weeks and then beat a good Wolves side,” Brown added. “They have done well to fight back after that loss to Wigan. Things looked bad but they’ve bounced back and done well. Credit to Franny (Cummins) as he has done a good job there.
“Lee Gaskell is a talented player as is Luke Gale too. Matt Diskin has been around a while as well. They are strong in key positions, kick the ball well and manufacture points.
“Anytime their forwards do a good job their blokes in key positions will take their opportunities.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game remain on sale from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, by calling 01744 455 052 or by logging on here.
