Super League news – Pryce crocked, Noble quiet on his future
St Helens' play-off ambitions were dealt a blow yesterday with the news that key stand-off Leon Pryce will miss the end-of-season showpiece because of a neck injury.
The England international, who has had an injury-hit season, will be sidelined for a further three months as he goes under the surgeon’s knife to fix the troublesome neck problem.
Saints coach Mick Potter told the BBC: "There was always a feeling that it was still there. In his own head he said he felt it just wasn't going to be right.
"Having his experience in the finals would have been fantastic but it's not to be.
"If he has the op this week, he should be right to go in early December and be fit for pre-season."
Potters’ side face Warrington in the first qualifying play-off on Friday and he also has fitness worries concerning Kyle Eastmond and Jonny Lomax. Scrum-half Eastmond is struggling with a hip problem whilst Lomax, who has filled the void left by Pryce, is hoping to overcome a quad injury. Both will have fitness tests on Thursday to assess their availability.
Meanwhile, the man behind the Crusaders late charge into the play-offs, Brian Noble, has delayed his decision about his future until the play-offs have ended. The former Great Britain coach has been linked with a move to rugby union and a host of Australian rugby league teams over the past few weeks, but has decided to remain focused on the Crusaders play-off elimination match against Huddersfield on Saturday.
“When the muck and bullets of the season have finished, we'll sit down," Noble told Skysports. "No decision has been made on my part about anything really.
"I like the Crusaders , I like what they've offered. We need to see some ambition there but they've done a fabulous job. They've kept this place on track.
"There is no doubt the distractions have made it a tough year but I love the place and I'd love to stay. But no decisions have been made and we'll look at it in a couple of weeks."
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