ST HELENS coach Mick Potter will take the opportunity during Sean Long’s enforced injury absence to run the rule over the pretenders to his scrum-half crown.
Long, who is joining Hull next season on a two-year contract, is facing an eight-week lay-off after breaking his jaw in last Friday’s shock 20-10 defeat at Salford.
Leon Pryce is expected to return from injury to take over at seven against Warrington on Saturday with youngsters Kyle Eastmond, Gary Wheeler, who has recovered from a five-match absence with a calf strain, and Jamie Ellis all vying to be his half-back partner.
“It’s left a big hole but we’ve got a couple of different options there,” said Potter. “It gives Kyle Eastmond, Gary Wheeler and Jamie Ellis an opportunity to show what they can do.
“There is probably no better test than against a team like Warrington. I think they will handle it well. I’d be confident in any of those guys who are thrown in there to do a good job.
“It’s probably a benefit to get a better look at those kids earlier than anticipated, although I would still like Sean Long to be back as soon as possible.”
Long’s absence could be longer than originally thought following delays in getting him in for surgery.
“He’s still waiting to see the specialist and it could be as late as Friday before he gets the operation,” added Potter.
“They say it’s an eight-week rehabilitation, depending on what they do once they get inside, whether they wire it, or plate or screw it.”
Saints will still be without centre Matt Gidley and hooker Keiron Cunningham, as well as long-term injury victim Jason Cayless, while England back rower Jon Wilkin is a doubt for the trip to Warrington.
Warrington are hoping to have former St Helens half-back Lee Briers back to face his old club after missing the last three matches with a hamstring injury.
“We could have Briers back,” said Wolves coach Tony Smith. “We’ve got one or or two bumps and bruises but I think they will all come through.”
Smith has yet to decide whether to give a debut to former Wigan and Great Britain winger Brian Carney, who is edging closer to a Super League return after making two reserve appearances.
“It’s hard for him at the moment because the people in his position are doing a fine job,” said Smith. “If it’s not this week, it will be very soon.
“He certainly needed a couple of runs in reserve grade. He had a massive improvement in the second week so he’s better prepared for when he does play, whether it’s this week or the week after.
“I’d like to think he’ll get a run in one of those two games.”
