Wheeler back in contention for Saints after being named in 19 (From St Helens Star)

Gary Wheeler back in contention for Saints after being named in 19

3:12pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in Sport

GARY WHEELER has earned a recall to Saints’ 19-man squad for Saturday’s trip to Bradford (kick off 2pm).

He replaces skipper Paul Wellens, who is out for up to a month after suffering a calf injury in the draw with Hull.

The versatile Wheeler, whose off-season was disrupted by injury, was placed on dual registration with Rochdale last week.

Saints boss Nathan Brown watched Wheeler – who offers the Australian variety in the three-quarters and half backs - play against Oldham on Sunday – but whether he has done enough to force his way into the Saints 17 remains to be seen.

Brown has the option of deploying Tommy Makinson at full back and bringing in the experienced Ade Gardner on the wing.

Saints squad: 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Jordan Turner, 4. Sia Soliola, 5. Francis Meli, 7. Jonny Lomax, 9. James Roby, 10. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 11. Tony Puletua, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Willie Manu, 14. Anthony Laffranchi, 15. Mark Flanagan, 17. Gary Wheeler, 19. Josh Jones, 20. Lee Gaskell, 21. Tommy Makinson, 24. Joe Greenwood, 25. Alex Walmsley, 27. Anthony Walker.