Saints add Stankevitch to list of doubtfuls
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Your support makes all the difference.As the controversy continued over the players who did not appear for St Helens in their 54-22 defeat at Bradford last Saturday, their coach, Ian Millward, revealed that two who did play could be forced to miss the Challenge Cup final.
John Stankevitch and Mick Higham, ever-presents for Saints this season, picked up injuries at Valley Parade and are doubtful for Murrayfield.
Both were named on the bench by Millward in a 17-man squad yesterday, along with Sean Hoppe, who has recovered from an ankle injury, but Dwayne West, Sonny Nickle and Mark Edmondson have been placed on stand-by for Saturday.
The unfortunate Stankevitch missed last year's triumph in the final over Bradford after being dropped. "He put his body on the line last Saturday and it would be sad for him to miss out again," said Millward.
Stankevitch himself said after training yesterday that he was confident of recovering from a knee problem, but Higham's ankle is a bigger worry for Millward, who will give both players until Saturday morning to prove their fitness. Paul Newlove did not train, but is expected to be available.
Meanwhile, Saints could face another charge if they refuse to respond to the Rugby League's request for information about their weakened team at Bradford by this afternoon. The Bulls have lowered their ticket prices for Monday's game against Salford, claiming that their supporters were short-changed by St Helens' side.
Saints have sold almost all their 13,000 tickets for Murrayfield, in stark contrast to Wigan who have only just passed the half-way mark. "In all, there will be about 20,000 Saints supporters there and, if it's not full, it's not St Helens' fault," said the chief executive Brian Kelly.
Wigan hope that Kris Radlinski will be released from hospital today after treatment for a blood infection. A decision on whether he is fit to play is likely to be delayed until later in the week.
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