St Helens Manager Paul Rowley Faces Selection Crisis with Twelve Senior Stars Sidelined for Toulouse Trip

St Helens face a massive injury crisis with 12 stars missing. See the predicted lineup for the Toulouse Olympique match as Paul Rowley shuffles his squad.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 5:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Love Rugby League

Selection Headaches Mount Following Costly Cup Victory

The physical toll of maintaining a winning streak has reached a breaking point for St Helens as they prepare for a challenging cross-channel expedition. Following their triumph over Castleford Tigers, the club's medical room has reached capacity with twelve senior players officially unavailable for selection. According to Matthew Shaw, the most recent blows include hookers Daryl Clark and Jake Burns, both of whom failed head injury assessments, alongside Curtis Sironen, who sustained a calf injury. Compounding these physical setbacks is the three-match suspension handed to winger Kyle Feldt, leaving Paul Rowley with a tactical puzzle that threatens to derail the club's early-season momentum.

Hooker Crisis Forces Tactical Reconfiguration

The most pressing concern for the Saints’ coaching staff lies in the dummy-half position, where both primary specialists are currently sidelined under concussion protocols. This vacancy forces Rowley to consider unconventional stopgap measures to maintain offensive flow. One potential strategy involves transitioning Jackson Hastings into the hooker role, which would allow young prospect George Whitby to step into the halves. However, the premium placed on continuity in the spine suggests that Whitby himself might be deployed as a direct replacement at nine. According to reports, the decision will likely hinge on which configuration best preserves the defensive stability that has characterized their recent four-match unbeaten run.

Backline Shuffles to Compensate for Feldt Absence

The forced absence of veteran winger Kyle Feldt necessitates a significant reshuffle in the St Helens outside backs. Owen Dagnall, who has largely featured as a bench utility, is the primary candidate to be promoted to the starting wing spot. This transition is expected to be supported by a veteran presence in the centers, with Mark Percival and Deon Cross providing the necessary defensive communication to help the younger Robertson and Dagnall adjust to the increased workload. The reliance on academy products and versatile squad players underscores the severity of the current crisis, as the club reaches deep into its developmental ranks to field a competitive backline in Perpignan.