Hull FC host St Helens in Super League next week.
St Helens’ Jake Wingfield in crutches after his side’s Challenge Cup win over Catalans Dragons.
St Helens are fearing the worst for Jake Wingfield after their Challenge Cup quarter-final victory over Catalans Dragons came at a cost.
The Saints booked their place in the semi-finals of the prestigious competition with a comfortable 36-4 win at the BrewDog Stadium.
Wingfield however was forced from the field in visible agony, having already been carrying a strapped right knee into the match. The 24-year-old had been named to start in the back-row.
Meanwhile, after opening the try-scoring against the Dragons, winger Lewis Murphy was also forced off during the first half with the score at 12-0.
St Helens travel to the MKM Stadium in Super League next week, Thursday, April 16, to take on Hull FC.
“Wingfield is fearing the worst there – a potential ACL. Lewis Murphy has a dislocated elbow, we think. Until you get it scanned, you don’t know the damage,” head coach Paul Rowley said.
“Ultimately, as a person, it’s a sickener for Jake – as it would be for anybody with such bad luck, especially when he’s such a committed professional and young man.
“He deserves better, but we’ll support him. Hopefully it’s not bad news.”
St Helens, meanwhile, welcomed back Alex Walmsley, George Delaney and George Whitby from injury, while Kyle Feldt featured in the quarter-final after serving a suspension.
Partnering stand-in captain Jackson Hastings in the halves, Whitby marked his return with two tries, having only recently been hospitalised with appendicitis.
“Alex was great,” Rowley added. “It makes a difference having a character like him coming off the bench, with those strong carries that are really damaging. We had four excellent props tonight who rotated well, played decent minutes and all contributed.
“George Whitby was in hospital last week with appendicitis, so he’s really dug in for us.
“I thought Matt Whitley was good – he’s put together some strong performances recently. Daryl Clark was fantastic, and Jackson Hastings brought a lot of energy, especially in recognising and celebrating key moments, including defensive efforts.
“Once we got in front, the game became about defence, and we were rewarded for that.
“Overall, it was a very professional performance.”