Saints opportunities knock for Alex Walmsley and Joe Greenwood (From St Helens Star)

Saints opportunities knock for Alex Walmsley and Joe Greenwood

3:56pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in Sport By Mike Critchley

SAINTS will definitely be without prop Josh Perry and Lance Hohaia for Friday night’s visit of Hull – and there are still some doubts over James Roby, who missed the win at Widnes with a foot injury.

But Nathan Brown will hand a senior debut to new signing Alex Walmsley, who has continued to impress while on dual registration with Batley.

Meanwhile 20-year-old prop Joe Greenwood will continue to grab his opportunities with both hands after an impressive shift off the bench on Sunday.

The good news is that the injuries will not lead to as lengthy a period on the sidelines as first feared.

Brown said: “Josh and Lance will miss a month each.

“That is good in Josh’s case because we were looking at 8-12 weeks being a good result.

“Lance’s shoulder is what they thought so it is unfortunate but gives someone else a chance.

“They are not long term, a few three-to-four weekers aren’t the ones that kill you.”

Walmsley’s arrival will provide some energy and enthusiasm to a Saints pack that will have its work cut out fronting up to a Hull six led by Mark O’Meley – the hard-nosed Aussie dubbed ‘The Ogre.’

Brown has confidence in the 6ft5 Yorkshireman to make an impression after doing well in the previous two trial games at Langtree Park.

He said: “Big Alex is more than likely to come in for Josh.

“He has done well, his form in the friendlies has been good and his attitude is first class.

“John Kear has been happy with him too, and has played really well there and had a tough game against Sheffield last week for Batley.

“It means he is ready to play when we want him to play.”

Paul Clough, who is recovering from a calf injury and has yet to feature this season, is still a week or two away.

Although Roby has not yet been passed fit to play, Brown is hopeful of having him back at number nine to face up to Hull’s ambitious hooker Danny Houghton.

“We have options at nine, Wilko and Flash (Mark Flanagan) can go in there so we have options, although I am reasonably confident Robes will be ok,” Brown said.