St Helens can confirm that young forward Jake Wingfield has had shoulder surgery today (Wednesday, 14th June) which will rule him out of action for 16 weeks.
It means that Wingfield is likely to miss the rest of the season, but there is a small chance he may be available at the back end of the year should his rehabilitation go well.
It comes as a blow to the 21-year-old who has grown in presence in the Red V since making his senior debut in the 2020 season. 2022 was the breakthrough campaign for the former Blackbrook junior, making 20 appearances and featuring in our Grand Final victory at Old Trafford last September.
Wingfield kept building on his development by also playing in our historic victory in Australia over Penrith Panthers to secure the World Club Challenge.
Commenting on the news, Head Coach Paul Wellens said: “It’s obviously a disappointing situation for Jake who has been eager to fight for a spot in the starting squad, and for us as a whole, as a team, we’re disappointed to lose a player of his quality for a long period of time.
“Jake’s situation sadly just got to the point where there was no other option but surgery, he understands that. It is now a challenge to stay positive and get back to being at his best and knowing Jake he will take it on strong, he’s a good honest kid and will come back strong.
“We of course will support Jake and do all we can to rehabilitate him in the best way possible.”
Everyone involved at St Helens R.F.C. wishes Jake the best with his recovery and we look forward to seeing him back out on the field.
