Paul Wellens looks set to resist the urge to move Tristan Sailor back into the halves this evening when St Helens take on Leeds Rhinos. George Whitby will sit out of the clash at the Totally Wicked Stadium after failing a HIA last time out against Salford Red Devils and that gives Wellens a decision to make in the pivots.
The head coach has options and Sailor is undoubtedly one given he started the year as a stand-off after joining the club in the off-season from the NRL. He wears the number six on his back, too, which gives a firm clue about where he was expected to play this season.
However, Sailor was moved from the spot in April as a series of lacklustre performances led to criticism. Since then he has been seen at full-back and on the wing, with the Australian taking on the Saints‘ number one role last week in the absence of Jack Welsby, who has been ruled out for the majority of the season.
And, that’s where the 26-year-old will be staying it seems, with Wellens keen for him to settle in a stable position and find some continuity in the side.
“I think Tristan needs to build some consistency in a position and full-back is his preferred position,” Wellens said. “When we found out the news that Jack was injured and he was going to be out long-term, I had a sit down with Tristan to let him know that he’ll get an opportunity in his preferred position.
“I feel like he acquitted himself really well last week, not just with ball in hand but he made three line-breaks and he turned up as a full-back and did what full-backs are meant to do and stopped them.
“I want him to continue to work really hard on both sides of his game but also give him an opportunity to show he can do it in that position.”
Paul Wellens’ St Helens selection clue
That means that Moses Mbye is the likeliest option to start alongside Jonny Lomax in the halves tonight as St Helens look to end their wretched run of Super League form against the competition’s elite sides and consolidate their spot in the play-offs.
“Moses is the most natural choice,” Wellens admitted. “We have the option to move Harry Robertson to six and he’s played a fair bit there in the academy as well.
“Moses went there last weekend and he acquitted himself really well, it’s something he’s done in the past for us and he’d be the most natural choice for that position.”
