Holbrook previews Catalans test

Justin Holbrook

Head Coach Justin Holbrook has given an injury update on his Saints squad who prepare to face Catalans on Sunday in what will be a triple header of fixtures at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Mark Percival and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook missed out on the win over Hull FC after picking up injuries in the derby win, whilst Luke Thompson left the field mid-way through the first half with an ankle injury.

And Holbrook has revealed that all three players will be out for a sustained period.

“Percy and Louie will be about for around the six week mark and Thomo [Thompson] we are not sure yet. He is getting some scans this afternoon so we are not sure yet, but it will obviously be at least a couple of weeks and we will see what comes back. It is an ankle injury where he will have his foot in a boot for a few weeks and we will know a bit more later on, but those boys will be out for at least a few weeks.”

Tommy Makinson also departed the field on Easter Monday and Holbrook revealed he picked up a back-spasm and is a doubt for the clash with Catalans on Sunday.

“He has a back spasm and it tightened up at half-time [against Hull] so I am not sure on Sunday yet, continued Holbrook.

“We have got to look at a number of players ahead of Sunday. I said at the start of the season, I won’t rest people for no reason, but we have a reason to look at a few players closely this week. We have played two games in extreme hot conditions so I will work with our medical and performance team to pick a side for Sunday.

“Having said that the young lads who came in for Monday’s game were tremendous and whoever we have on Sunday will be good enough.”

Theo Fages was forced off injured in the win over Hull KR a few weeks back and was named in the squad for the Good Friday clash with Wigan, but did not recover in time for the derby win.

And Holbrook gave an update on the Frenchman who he hopes will feature.

“Hopefully Theo is right to go Sunday. He obviously wasn’t right to play the last couple of games, but hopefully we can get him back in the mix for Sunday.”

Holbrook also paid credit to Matty Lees, Adam Swift as well as debutant Joe Batchelor and young Jack Welsby after impressive performances against Hull on Monday before looking ahead to the threat of Catalans on Sunday.

“We were disappointed we didn’t win over there [in France], but we didn’t play poorly. It was just our kick defence that let us down. There wasn’t much in the game in tough conditions but we would like to beat them this Sunday. They are definitely a top five side and they just struggle with consistency, but they are coming off a few good wins and they are capable of playing well on their day so it is up to us to play better on Sunday.”

Holbrook concluded by issuing a rallying call to Saints fans to come down and support all three teams as the Saints Academy, Women’s team and First team are all in action.

“We don’t get to play many Sunday games so the fact we have our Academy side, Women’s and First team all playing, it’s the perfect day for families and kids and there is no better place to come than the Totally Wicked Stadium to support our team. We are in your town and you don’t have to travel to come and watch us play so come down on Sunday and enjoy a good afternoon!”

Holbrook previews Catalans test.

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