ST HELENS’ talismanic scrum half Sean Long could make a shock return in Sunday’s Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final.
The former Great Britain half-back was originally ruled out for eight weeks after breaking his jaw in Saints’ shock defeat at Salford a month ago but he is in line to make his comeback against Huddersfield in what would be a record ninth successive semi-final.
“He’s keen,” said coach Mick Potter. “We gave him a little bit of contact work today and he looked okay.
“It’s not so much the break as the nerve. His eye gets a bit dry because he can’t close it as much as he likes. He’s still got to tick a few boxes but it’s improving every day.”
Long, 32, who is ending his 12-year stay at Knowsley Road at the end of the season and joining Hull, has been a cornerstone of Saints’ Challenge Cup success with a record three Lance Todd Trophy awards as man of the match.
He would love the chance to bow out of Knowsley Road with a seventh cup final appearance and with the opportunity to once more strut his stuff on the Wembley stage and help Saints secure a fourth successive triumph.
“He’s a big-game player,” acknowledged Potter. “I don’t know how many Lance Todds and other awards he’s won but every time I’ve watched him play in a big game he performs. He’s a player you want to have in your team.”
St Helens could also have England hooker James Roby back from a broken hand while captain Keiron Cunningham is expected to overcome a knee injury sustained in last Friday’s 10-6 win over Wigan.
With prop Bryn Hargreaves having recovered from mumps, centre Chris Dean available after overcoming a bout of gastroenteritis and front rower Maurie Fa’asavalu close to returning from a broken arm, Saints could be close to full strength, with only Jason Cayless definitely ruled out.
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Cunningham is set to hold talks with chairman Eamon McManus after Sunday’s match about a new contract.
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