St Helens: Paul Wellens reveals possible Joe Batchelor return fixture, plus latest on Tee Ritson
Joe Batchelor and Tee Ritson in action for St Helens. Pictures by Alamy.
St Helens boss Paul Wellens is hopeful of having Joe Batchelor back for the Super League Round 19 clash with Catalans Dragons.
The England international back-rower is currently sidelined through a hamstring injury, having missed the recent 22-0 victory over Castleford at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Wellens revealed that he expects to have Batchelor out of action for a few weeks, having pulled up during the final session ahead of last week’s Super League tie at home.
The reigning champions and World Club Challenge winners travel to the Halliwell Jones Stadium this Friday to face Daryl Powell’s out-of-form Warrington, live on Sky Sports.
Wellens hoping to have Joe Batchelor back soon
“We’re hopeful for Catalans,” Wellens said on Batchelor.
“But if that’s not the case, then the Challenge Cup semi-finals.
“With a hamstring injury, you don’t want to take a risk where it’s not necessary.
“I’ll be in dialogue with the medical team and we’ll make a decision in due course.”
Tommy Makinson and Curtis Sironen remain sidelined, while Wellens provided an update on injured winger Tee Ritson.
The 27-year-old, currently on a season-long loan from Barrow, has featured 12 times for the reigning champions since making the move from the Championship, scoring twice.
Wellens said there were no new fresh injuries to report on following the latest win that saw the side climb to fifth on the Super League table.
“Everyone has come through OK. As I say most weeks, there’s a few bumps and bruises,” said Wellens.
“We’ve still got some guys on the sidelines, Curtis Sironen, Joe Batchelor and Tommy Makinson, those guys.
“Tee Ritson is still grumbling with his knee, but will be in contention for this week. We’ll have to see how he progresses.
“But everyone from the game came through well.”
Australian back-rower Sironen, 29, is currently out of action due to a hamstring injury, while Makinson hasn’t featured since the Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Hull after limping from the field.
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