SAINTS fans and the opposition will have to wait until an hour before kick off to learn how the half backs will line up in Thursday night's opener in the absence of broken-leg victim Matty Smith.

Although there is a strong lobby for outstanding 20-year-old Academy prospect Danny Richardson, permutations involving Theo Fages, Tommy Lee and skipper Jon Wilkin have not been ruled out despite the latter two being wanted for other roles in the team.

The pair who take the field will have a huge responsibility on their shoulders as Saints seek to get their Super League XXII off to a winning start against their traditional summer era nemesis Leeds Rhinos.

Cunningham said: “In the short term Matty (Smith) is not going to be involved so we have to come up with something nice and simple.

“It is a baptism of fire for whoever plays in there because it’s a big game, opening Super League, and so there always has to be a bit of give and take with junior players.

“Everyone deserves a shot and sometimes players are better than one game.

“When Danny (Richardson) does make his debut it will be a daunting challenge because playing in the halves is a difficult position.

“But Danny is a really confident kid and has been used to running teams for a few years now and was outstanding in all comps last year.

“I would not have an issue with him if he does play.”

For Saints the juggling in the halves is not a new thing; ever since Sean Long left it seems that the wearer of the number seven shirt has spent a significant chunk on the sidelines.

Despite the disappointment of Smith’s absence, it is something the players and coach will deal with.

Cunningham added: “We brought Matty in for a purpose and will play him a little bit different to how he is played at Wigan and he was flourishing with what he was doing.

“Him not being here hurts us and there is not a side in the comp that would not feel it.

“But you have to adapt, that is sport. Every body’s backs are against the wall constantly. Last year Wigan lost Micky Mac early but had a young nine who came in, and they had half backs at full back consistently throughout the year.

“All the sides that did well last year had a consistent run with the backbone of their side, but that is not taken into consideration.

“You are judged on results. Every year has been a firefight.

“Playing people out of positon and trying to getting consistency out of people who are not used to playing in those roles is challenging.”

Richardson’s presence in the squad will keep the pressure on Theo Fages, who was in and out of the team last year but has shown flashes of huge potential.

Saints will need the Frenchman to develop his game this season, particularly given the additional responsibility on his shoulders.

“It is a massive year for Theo. Once Matty comes back and if Danny keeps doing what he is doing in the reserves Theo will come under a lot of scrutiny – as they all will.

“That is what breeds competition. It makes or breaks them.

"Theo has trained exceptionally well with Matty in pre-season. Its unfortunate Matty has gone done so it is a different challenge for Theo now, but I am sure he will embrace it,” Cunningham said.

Saints name the four other new boys with centre Ryan Morgan back in action and looking to make an impression on his debut after missing the final trial game against Castleford as a precautionary measure.

Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook is the only fitness absentee as he works to get miles in his legs after recovering from an off-season hip operation.

“We are still going to a bit ring rusty, it takes a few games to get into the flow of things, especially the game intensity.

“It takes a few weeks to get going properly but the boys look in good shape and we are excited to have a good dig at it,” Cunningham said.