Shannon McDonnell set to make Saints debut

St Helens full-back Shannon McDonnell looks certain to make his debut for the club this week after a string of injuries has stretched Nathan Brown’s squad.

Luke Walsh broke his leg against Widnes last week and is out for the rest of the season while coach Nathan Brown said news on Jon Wilkin’s injury “isn’t ideal”. Add into the equation Lance Hohaia’s eight-week foot injury and Jonny Lomax’s season-ending knee problem and Saints are completely stretched.

Brown says the most likely outcome is Paul Wellens will move into the halves, presumably alongside Gary Wheeler, and McDonnell – who is still involved in a dispute with former club Hull FC – will get a chance at full-back.

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“Shannon McDonnell can come in,” Brown said.

“Paul Wellens can move to the halves and play well like he has done there this season and Lance should be back before the season’s out. We have to work hard and be positive.

“The win [against Widnes] came at a cost and unfortunately we’ve had a few that have come at a cost over the last few months.

“That is the nature of the game we play I suppose.”

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