Meli misses Saints' Super League opener (From St Helens Star)

Meli misses Saints' Super League opener

3:14pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010

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SAINTS wing Francis Meli has still not returned from compassionate leave in New Zealand, leaving coach Mick Potter with three options for the vacant spot on the flank.

Tom Armstrong, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, Gary Wheeler and Jonny Lomax are all in the reckoning.

Wheeler occupied the spot in the only full strength trial game, so that could give an indication of Potter’s thinking.

Potter said: “All three have played Super League on the wing so anyone of them could slot in there and do a job for us.

“The young players are physically better equipped for this year and that is a good sign.”

The game will see how Saints plan to use their three hookers – Keiron Cunningham, James Roby and Scott Moore.

Roby spent a fair bit of time being spelled in the back row last term – and it could be that he comes on to replace big man Tony Puletua, allowing Moore to enter the fray at dummy half when Cunningham leaves the park.

Although they played together occasionally last term, this will be the first run out for the new half back pairing of Leon Pryce and Kyle Eastmond.

Potter said: “Against Halifax they were pretty comfortable with each other and in training they have looked pretty good.

“We are not expecting perfection and there may be some teething troubles but it looks very good at the moment and I am happy where they are at.”

The only player unavailable through injury is young prop Gareth Frodsham.

Saints v. Hull, Saturday, 5.45pm, Knowsley Road.

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