Here’s a gut-wrenching reality for St Helens fans: their team’s injury crisis just hit a new low. Another key player is down for the long haul, and it’s starting to feel like the rugby league gods are testing their limits. But here’s where it gets even more frustrating—this time, it’s prop forward Alex Walmsley, a cornerstone of their pack, who’s been sidelined with a foot injury. And this is the part most people miss: he actually played through the pain during their recent win against Catalans Dragons, with head coach Paul Rowley revealing he was ‘playing on one leg at times.’ Talk about grit!
Rowley confirmed on Tuesday that Walmsley’s injury will keep him out for ‘around six weeks,’ though thankfully, surgery isn’t on the table. But let’s be real—six weeks without a player of his caliber? That’s a massive blow, especially when you consider he joins Matty Lees (knee), Jack Welsby (shoulder), and Jonny Lomax (wrist) on the ever-growing casualty list. Is this the season St Helens’ depth gets truly tested?
Rowley didn’t hold back when praising Walmsley’s effort in Perpignan, calling him ‘fantastic’ despite the obvious pain. ‘He decided he’d get through it, and he did,’ Rowley said, highlighting the player’s commitment to the team’s victory. But here’s the controversial question: Was it worth risking further damage by letting him play? Or was it a necessary gamble to secure the win? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
Meanwhile, the Saints are scrambling to fill the void. Noah Stephens, who’s been nursing his own injury, could step in, but Rowley is playing it safe. ‘He’s never been far off,’ the coach said, emphasizing that Stephens’ absence isn’t a matter of selection but of health. Jake Wingfield and Mark Percival are also in the ‘almost there but not quite’ category, with Rowley walking the tightrope between pushing players and protecting them. ‘It’s about finding the right balance between risk and reward,’ he explained.
Mark Percival, at least, is back in full training, though match fitness remains the final hurdle. And in a rare piece of good news, Nene Macdonald’s early substitution last week was just precautionary, according to Rowley.
So, where does this leave St Helens? With two starting props out and a handful of players on the cusp of returning, it’s a delicate moment. Can they weather this storm, or will their season start to unravel? One thing’s for sure: the next few weeks will be a true test of their resilience. What do you think—can the Saints bounce back, or is this injury crisis too much to overcome? Let’s debate it below!
