Kristian Woolf has revealed a number of Saints have been ruled out of Saturday’s trip to France to face Super League newcomers Toulouse Olympique due to injury.
Saints will definitely be without forwards Alex Walmsley, Sione Mata’utia and Joe Batchelor, whilst Woolf is hopeful that Jack Welsby will shake off a knock in time to travel.
Walmsley is expected to be sidelined for a fortnight, while Mata’utia, who misses the next two games through suspension anyway, will be out of action for around four to six weeks.
Woolf said: “They are both hamstring-related, but we think Alex will only be two weeks. We are not quite sure how long with Sione, but we think between 4-6 weeks.”
“They have been two of our best forwards over the opening rounds and it is obviously a blow.
“But in the big scheme of things over a long season, two weeks is not going to hurt Al too much.
“While four to six is a lot more significant for Sione, there is a lot of footy to be played and we are going to be fine and able to cope without those guys.”
Batchelor has recovered well from the head knock sustained against Warrington, but, given he failed his head assessment at half time, the protocol kicks in.
“Joe copped a knock before half-time and showed some signs of concussion so the doctors made the right call in not allowing him back on the field.
“He is going through the 11-day protocol, and is going to miss this weekend’s game.
“That is unfortunate because he has been in really good form,” Woolf said.
Welsby came off three minutes before the end, but Woolf is hopeful the full back will be on the plane to the south of France on Saturday morning.
“Jack at this stage looks like he should come through ok. The other bumps and bruises we got out of the game seem just that and they should all come through.
“I am confident in whatever squad we send out there will be strong, we have a really good depth and some guys who are champing at the bit wanting an opportunity and are deserving of one.
“We are going to put out a good strong side, and I am very confident in what we will put together for Saturday.”
The boss will talk more about Saturday’s game in his weekly press conference this afternoon. Stay tuned.
