St Helens head coach Nathan Brown has refused to be downbeat about heading to Wakefield without their star man, Luke Walsh, this weekend.
Walsh – who has made a magnificent start to life in England with the Saints – has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a calf injury sustained during the victory over Catalan last weekend.
However, despite that obvious blow, Brown believes there is enough depth in the Saints squad to more than cope with the rigours of Super League.
“I think everyone is realistic. We brought Luke Walsh over here for a reason; he has a skill set that helps our team,” he told the St Helens Star.
“But this is a proud footy club and reality is we are unbeaten. Walshy has played a part in that with what he has done, but a lot of other people are playing a part in it.
“Wilko played a big part last season – he is more than a competent half back now and I know the boys are feeling confident playing with Wilko at 7.
“This time last year he was practising at being a half, but this year he can do it comfortably.”
The Saints will also be without Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook (suspension), Jordan Turner and Alex Walmsley (injury) for the trip to West Yorkshire, but Sia Soliola could be fit after being taken off during the Catalan victory.