St Helens Suffer Injury Blows in Challenge Cup Defeat to Warrington Wolves
St Helens, the reigning Super League champions, faced a setback in their Challenge Cup campaign as they were defeated 31-8 by Warrington Wolves on Sunday evening. The loss not only eliminated the Saints from the competition but also resulted in two key injuries to their squad.
During the match, St Helens suffered a double injury blow, with prop Alex Walmsley and back-rower Curtis Sironen both picking up knocks. Walmsley sustained a hamstring injury, and Sironen hurt his elbow.
In the post-match press conference, St Helens head coach Paul Wellens provided an update on the duo’s condition.
“We’re hoping Curtis isn’t too bad,” Wellens said. “He’s obviously got an ice pack on his elbow, so we’re going to have to get that checked out.” Regarding Walmsley, the coach added, “Big Al felt his hamstring slightly, so again, with those types of injuries, we’re going to send Alex off for a scan and get a more detailed assessment of what’s gone on.”
The Saints were only trailing 7-6 at halftime, but Warrington’s four unanswered tries in the second half proved to be the decisive factor in the Challenge Cup quarter-final clash. Wellens expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, stating,
“Very disappointing. A Challenge Cup quarter-final and for a team who manages to rise in big games, I think we got the opposite of that today.”
As St Helens look to bounce back, Wellens says he will consider rotational changes to the squad ahead of their upcoming Super League match against Hull FC.
“I’m certainly going to have to look at what options are available,” he revealed. “The team is going to be picked on form, and the players who are not quite doing it have to understand being at this club, there’s a standard you need to have when you pull on this jersey.”
The Saints will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Hull FC next Friday at the Totally Wicked Stadium, as they look to regain their momentum in the league campaign.
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