St Helens Rugby League team is grappling with a serious injury crisis as head coach Paul Wellens confirmed that star player Kyle Feldt will be sidelined for approximately 12 weeks after suffering a ruptured ligament in his hand. This injury occurred during a match, initially thought to be manageable without surgery, but unfortunately worsened upon further medical evaluation.
In the aftermath of the team's Round One victory over the Salford Red Devils, Feldt will now undergo surgery on Friday, March 21, 2025, specifically to repair the damage to his hand, which he initially injured during a defeat against Hull KR. "We’ve had a real unfortunate one this week, which is Kyle Feldt. We’ve had scans and he has ruptured a ligament in his hand," expressed Wellens, conveying his disappointment over the situation. "It’s a disappointing one for us at this stage of the season."
Feldt's situation has aggravated the injury woes for the club, with another setback hitting them as second-rower Joe Batchelor has also been ruled out after failing a head injury assessment against Leeds. Batchelor's unavailability adds to the complications as they prepare to face the Warrington Wolves.
The injury crisis doesn't end there for St Helens. Center Mark Percival was also injured during a game and while it initially seemed serious, it appears he may recover in time for the highly anticipated match on March 21. All will depend on how he responds to a running session ahead of the announcement of the 21-man squad scheduled for March 20. "Percy has run on the field with the physios today – so he didn’t really train with the squad. We are assessing how he is and will check his response in the next 24 hours," noted Wellens. He added a hopeful note, suggesting that Percival's toughness could aid his speedy return. "If there is one thing that Mark Percival is, it's tough. It will take a fair bit to keep him out of this game."
With Feldt and Murphy, another NRL signing who is recovering from a torn hamstring, expected to miss significant time, the Saints now rely on emerging players. Jon Bennison has been positioned as the first-choice winger in Feldt’s absence. The young player will have to step up significantly to meet the demands of the upcoming fixtures.
Amid the negative impact of the injuries, Wellens provided a glimmer of hope: "Lewis Murphy and Owen Dagnall's recoveries are on track, but we can't take risks there and push things; we have to be sensible there." With the depth of the backline rapidly thinning due to injuries to established players like Konrad Hurrell and others, this situation raises concerns regarding their performance moving forward.
This present state of injuries reflects a persistent challenge for St Helens, as they aim to balance immediate competitive needs with the health and well-being of their players. The quick recovery of players like Percival could prove crucial as they negotiate a tough start to the season amidst an increasing injury toll.
Paul Wellens acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic, stating, "The nature of the game is that injuries happen, and we’ll support everyone in their recovery. It’s a part of what we deal with as a team." The club seems to be strategizing closely to ensure the right players are fit and capable as they set their sights on not just surviving but thriving in the current season.
With Moses Mbye and James Bell returning from their respective injuries, the team hopes to reinvent and bolster their resolve in the face of adversity. As they prepare for a crucial next match, all eyes will be on how the Saints adapt to the loss of key players and whether they can emerge victorious against fierce competition.
