SKIPPER Jon Wilkin could be handed a new role in middle of the field when scrum half Luke Walsh finally returns from his lengthy lay off.

Wilkin, who this week signed a 12-month contract extension to keep him at Langtree Park until the end of 2016, has been operating as a makeshift number seven since the team’s Australian linchpin was sidelined with a broken leg.

When he returns to the fold in April, Walsh will form an exciting half back partnership with Travis Burns, leaving Wilkin to adopt a new role – one that coach Keiron Cunningham is keen to utilise his skipper’s full skill set.

Cunningham said: “The partnership between Walsh and Burns, and then throw Wilko in there, will give us some real attacking threat.

"Everybody has forgotten about Walshy because we have been ticking along nicely, but once he comes back and Wilko can resume his duties back in the team and we will lift again attacking wise.”

Saints have strength in the pack, with Atelea Vea and Joe Greenwood starting the year strongly in the second row with Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Luke Thompson sharing the grafting ‘third prop’ duties that go with the modern number 13 role.

However, Wilkin could take on some of the duties of a traditional play-making loose forward – but one where he would not be afraid to roll his sleeves up and do some of the heavy lifting.

Cunningham said: “He is a good leader for the team – and leads by example. Wilko is a good role model across the board to our juniors and is up there with Wello for the enthusiasm he shows.

“You might see a different role for Jon when Walshy is back – playing a bit more in the middle.

“That would be a different Jon again, but what you will get is the same determination he brings every week.

“He is a great kicker of the ball , left-footed kickers are like gold these days, but he is multi-talented and it is understated what he does for the team.

“Some people love Jon while others are not big fans – but I love competitors like Jon, Wello, Burnsy, Robes and Jonny. Genuine competitors make your team.”