SAINTS coach Justin Holbrook could be set to give Theo Fages the nod at scrum half for the mouth-watering Super League opener against champions Wigan next Thursday.

Holbrook explained that the French half back has worked hard in the off season to stake a claim after having limited opportunities last season.

He also explained that Danny Richardson, last year’s Dream Team number seven, had a disrupted pre-season following the groin injury picked up on the last day of the season.

Holbrook said: “Danny picked up a groin injury in that last game and he started the pre-season slowly.

“There is no reason to not pick him for round one – he is right to go now.

“Theo has been training really hard and was disappointed with how his season was last year and the opportunities he did not get.

“He brings different strengths to our team to what Danny does and is likely to get a nod for round one.

“Theo and Danny are two different styles of players, but the way we play does not really change. There will be just be the odd little differences of play that will come into play depending on which direction we go.

“Either way I am comfortable with either of them starting. It will be a big decision for round one.

“Overall Danny had a great season in 2018 – and although has still got to work on all aspects of his game, he is only young and he will get there. This is a good learning curve.”

In other early team news Holbrook explained that Mark Percival, who hurt his arm in the friendly will be fine for round one.