Rugby League: Super League - Playoff Eliminator - Saints vs Bradford

[rugbylad]

Hi guys, Bit of early team news from the Saints camp ahead of their play-off eliminator against Bradford this weekend. Even though Long, Albert & Hooper have been named in the 20-man squad, I dont think they will feature much, even if they do, they wont be fully fit. Still confident of a Bradford win here..... Any other thoughts?

Saints trio handed shock recalls Long/Albert out Hooper injury misery St Helens have announced the shock recalls of Sean Long, Darren Albert and Jason Hooper for the Super League Grand Final eliminator against Bradford. Long and Albert, who suffered fractured cheekbones, and Hooper, who was recovering from a dislocated shoulder, had been ruled out for the season. But all three are included in St Helens' 20-man squad for Friday's game. However, coach Daniel Anderson has refused to reveal if any of them will play in the match at Knowsley Road. "I'm going to be a little bit quiet on team selection," Anderson said. Hooper dislocated his shoulder in Saints' 16-19 defeat to Leeds last Friday, and although he had it put back in place immediately, Anderson ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. Albert and Long sustained their facial injuries at Wigan on 9 September and if they do play they may have to turn out in protective face masks. They should sit this one out. It's not worth putting their careers in danger for one game! From WL Have your say on Five Live Saints skipper Paul Sculthorpe and prop Mark Edmondson are definitely out of the game though. Bradford scrum-half Paul Deacon said he was not bothered that the trio could make their comebacks against his side on Friday. "It doesn't concern me if Sean Long plays or not as it does not matter who you come up against," he said. "They have a lot of injuries, but they have brought in a lot of good young players recently so whoever plays, it is going to be a tough battle." The winners will play Leeds in the Grand Final on 15 October.

[Mark H]

Re: Rugby League: Super League - Playoff Eliminator - Saints vs Bradford It is difficult to see any of them being fit, the only conclusion I can think of is that a squad of 20 is named, the coach knows his starting 17 and has made it up with 3 injured players to enhance the mind games. Bradford are the form team of Superleague, have all of their key players fit and are worthy favourites.