St Helens hoping for a change of luck for Will Hopoate

St Helens head coach Kristian Woolf says the club have looked at a couple of things that will hopefully change the luck of Will Hopoate.

The 30-year-old has been limited to just seven appearances so far in 2022 due to several injuries. 

His presence is needed now more than ever at the Totally Wicked Stadium, with half-back Lewis Dodd ruled out for the season. However, injuries have prevented the Tongan international the chance to pull together consecutive games for the reigning champions.

Woolf admits it’s been a frustrating year for his 2023 recruit, but they’re hopeful for better luck for the remainder of the season. 

St Helens travel to Perpignan on Saturday to take on Catalans in Round 17 of the Super League season.

St Helens a better team with Will Hopoate in it says coach

“Will Hopoate is one we’ll make a decision on later in the week,” Woolf said. “He has a very good chance of playing.

“He trained today and he trained terrifically. It’s just a matter of monitoring how he pulls up.

“It’s been frustrating for him as I’ve said plenty of times. The really frustrating thing is that it’s niggles in different areas each time.

“We’ve put a couple things in place. A couple things around his treatment and a couple of things that we’ve got a bit of intervention with. 

“We’re also looking at a couple of things we’ve been monitoring as well that we think are going to really help him and help us going forward.

“There’s no doubt that when he’s on the field, we’re a better team with him in it. The way he played against Hull KR in that first half, he certainly showed his quality and he certainly showed the influence he’s going to have on the team.

“We just need to get him out there and get him consistent and by that I mean playing consecutive weeks and playing consistently and I know he’s going to have a real impact for us.”

Woolf will welcome back Sione Mata’utia and James Bell from suspensions for the weekend.

Mark Percival continues to be sidelined through injury. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook will be hoping for a clear scan to make his return from a broken cheekbone.

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