SAINTS coach Paul Wellens has explained why the coaching staff and medical team decided to ask Tongan international Will Hopoate to sit out for a further week.

Hopoate, who was plagued with a hamstring injury last season, has not played since featuring in the World Club Challenge win over Penrith Panthers.

It had been hoped that the versatile outside back would have returned this week to face Hull, but after taking on board the views of the medical team Wellens has agreed a further week's training would be more beneficial.

Although Wellens accepts that the decision will be as frustrating for the fans as it is for the player, he believes it is for the long term good.

St Helens Star:

Wellens said: "Both myself, Will and the physio had a sit down earlier on in the week.

"I am desperate for Will to play, Will is desperate to play too - but we have to take all the facts into consideration.

"We have a very good medical team here who we have a lot of confidence in.

"When they give their viewpoints of the benefits of maybe having another week's training it does make sense.

"The tendency sometimes is when the player is technically fit to play, just play him.

"But in Will's circumstances we do need to afford him that little bit more time. 

"If it had been a player that hadn't been through Will's recent history then we would be more likely to take a chance this weekend and play him.

"It is frustrating for me as a coach - and for Will as a player, because he would love to be playing.

"But it is important that we are patient because we want the best of Will Hopoate moving forward," Wellens said.

Wellens explained the nature of the 30-year-old former NRL player's injury - and how treatment is differing to last term.

"They have gone through a different procedure this time.

"There was a lot of scar tissue around the injury that was causing a bit of discomfort.

"He has had a few injections in that to help get rid of the scar tissue which he has had a really positive response from.

"That has put him in a position where he is able to train a lot more, do a lot more volume on the field and feeling far more comfortable than he has ever done.

"We felt it important not to jump too early now and give him that extra week and then hopefully we get him back fit and playing regualarly - and consistently well," Wellens said.