SAINTS will have to shuffle their anticipated back line for the start of Super League after Welsh flier Regan Grace was ruled out for a month.

Coach Kristian Woolf explained yesterday that Grace has suffered a knock on the elbow in pre-season training which subsequently affected his bicep tendon.

He has a number of options that he could run the rule over in Friday's testimonial game against Leigh.

But when Super League starts on 10 February he could switch Will Hopoate or Jack Welsby to the flank and bring in Konrad Hurrell at centre.

However, with Welsby taking Lachlan Coote’s number one shirt this year, Woolf may want him to get bedded into that key role early.

The beauty of Saints squad is that it does have depth - with Josh Simm, impressive in 2020, still keen to grab his opportunity when it arises.

Woolf explained: “Regan’s injury is something we have had to intervene with and he is going to miss a little bit of footy – the first month.

“That is a bit of a knock for us and really unfortunate.

“In the big scheme of things he will have plenty of footy to play when he gets back.

“It is a great opportunity for some other blokes.

“It is a big part of being able to have success in long seasons – you will always have your setbacks and injuries are a big part of our game and part of the challenge.

“To adjust and figure out how you are going to move when you have those changes is what is important through a pre-season, as well as the other things you want out of a pre-season.

“We get to have a look at that and give your guys like Josh Simm, Ben Davies and Jon Bennison a bit more opportunity and that is what a pre-season game is about.”

Second rower Sione Mata'utia will also sit out Friday's game, which is for Alex Walmsley's testimonial, because of a suspension carried over from the Grand Final but will be free for the re-match with the Dragons.