ST HELENS prospect George Whitby will miss the rest of this season, and likely a significant portion of the next, due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Whitby suffered the serious knee issue in last Thursday’s defeat to Hull FC, his comeback match after two months out with an injury to his other knee.
The 20-year-old has been limited to eight Saints appearances this season, plus one on loan for Salford, after making his debut in 2024 and playing eleven further games in last year’s breakthrough campaign.
It’s been a torrid season on the injury front for St Helens, who have frequently had the number of unavailable first-team players run into double digits – a key contributor to the struggle which leaves them likely to miss out on the Super League play-offs for the first time.
Whitby said: “I’m absolutely devastated and gutted that my season has come to an end.
“It’s been a frustrating year personally, but I’m grateful for all my team-mates, staff and, most importantly, the fans for their continued love and support throughout the year.
“This is all part of the journey and most definitely a setback, but I’m fully driven and committed to coming back bigger and better in 2027, and I look forward to seeing you all next season.”
Interim Saints coach Eamon O’Carroll said: “We’ve had a good chat with him and got around him.
“He’s in a good place and he’s positive, although obviously he is very disappointed. He also understands that this is part of the journey.
“The work George does around our environment, how diligent he is with his preparation and the way he lives his life is fantastic. It’s really unfortunate for him, but everyone’s around him.
“The club will support him, and he’s got some good lads around him who will help him through it. George will be better for this experience.”
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wakefield Trinity, Saints do have outside backs Deon Cross (bicep) and Nene Macdonald (knee) back in contention.