ST HELENS are concerned over nerve damage suffered by their young prop Noah Stephens.
The 21-year-old came off the field after a collision during Saints’ defeat at Castleford Tigers two weeks ago and failed a head-injury assessment.
He has not been cleared to play at Leeds Rhinos on Thursday, with worry over not just his head but also his shoulder following that incident.
Head coach Paul Rowley said: “He’s still struggling with some nerve damage in his shoulder which is a concerning issue.”
Centre Nene Macdonald is also missing from their 21-man squad but is getting closer to full recovery from a knee injury, having played just once since early March.
“He’ll be a couple of weeks,” said Rowley. “He’s running now and looking more like his old self. I’m getting excited about Nene’s return.”
New signing Daniel Suluka-Fifita is another who won’t feature at AMT Headingley – but Rowley expects good things as the prop settles in following his move from Canterbury Bulldogs.
“He’s a big body, he replaces Matty (Lees) in that respect in the short term, but he’s his own person and a fresh character to the group,” said the coach.
“He’s got good leg speed and plenty of ability. We won’t put too much pressure on him yet but look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
Club captain Lees, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, will leave at the end of 2027 to join NRL newcomers PNG Chiefs.
“He’s had a great career at St Helens and he’s been a great servant to the club,” added Rowley.
“It’s a short career and everybody must make the most of it. We hope he reaps the benefits.
“It’ll challenge him in a different competition, and he will reap the financial benefits as well.”