Mike Critchley

Senior Sports Writer at St Helens Star

Senior Sports Writer at Runcorn & Widnes World

Senior Sports Writer at wirralglobe.co.uk

Articles

Saints suffer a devastating double injury blow to two key backs

4 days ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

Both picked up injuries in the fixture at Sewell Group Craven Park last Friday night and came off the field. It is very bad news with star man Welsby's knee injury requiring surgery, which took place today. This is expected to rule him out of selection for around 16 weeks. Murphy suffered a quad injury in the act of trying to score in the corner at Hull KR, which is expected to rule him out for around eight weeks.
LIVE UPDATES: Huddersfield Giants 4 Saints 46, Super League Round 12

4 days ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
DISCIPLINARY: Charges and penalty points from Super League's Round 13

5 days ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

- Morgan Knowles of St Helens (Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com) SAINTS have one player charged from Friday's bruising game at Hull KR. Loose forward Morgan Knowles has been handed one penalty point for his Grade A Charge of a late contact on the kicker. It makes his total for the year so far two penalty points - and there is no further action on the player at this point. Following Round 13 of the Betfred Super League, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions.
Injuries compound Saints' misery in a bruising night at Hull KR

1 week ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

England full back Jack Welsby went off towards the end of the first half and did not re-appear that second period. And then flying wing Lewis Murphy injured his leg in the act of scoring a spectacular try in the corner, which, to add insult to injury was subsequently chalked off by the video referee. It was a bruising game all in, with five players needing stitches during the 80 minutes - with Morgan Knowles and Alex Walmsley needing wounds dressing after a clash of heads.
Saints lose physical battle - and crash down to earth at leaders Hull KR

1 week ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

Anything that could have gone wrong did, with Jack Welsby and Lewis Murphy both coming off with injuries – the latter in the act of a spectacular finish that was harshly over-ruled by the video ref. Saints came across a Rovers that showed no signs of having an eye on next week’s Challenge Cup Final – and dominated in all facets of the game.
GAMEDAY: Saints expecting a formidable test from Wembley-bound Rovers

1 week ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

Although it is table-topping Robins’ last game before they head to Wembley, where they are looking to win their first major trophy for 40 years, Willie Peters has named a strong side. As such Saints are preparing to take on a Rovers side at its best, not one with an eye on next week’s Challenge Cup Final. It is a game that will show far Saints have come since their post-Easter doldrums.
Martin thanks Parr community for supporting KnifeSavers event

1 week ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

The former British Middleweight Boxing champion, was one of the key drivers behind bringing the campaign to Parr, was delighted with the turnout. KnifeSavers highlights the dangers of carrying knives whilst also giving training on how to help save lives by urgently treating wounds. And people of all ages got to work on the life-like dummies under the tutelage of Mr Nikhil Misra and the KnifeSavers team.
Wellens: Saints will prepare for Wembley-bound Hull KR side at its best

1 week ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

It is certain to be a lively atmosphere given it is the table-topping Robins’ last game before they head to Wembley where they are looking to win their first major trophy since winning the First Division title 40 years ago. Saints are preparing to take on a Rovers side at its best, not one with an eye on next week’s Challenge Cup Final, in a game that will show far they have come since their post-Easter doldrums.
Paul Wellens picks Saints 21-man squad for Hull KR clash

1 week ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

SAINTS coach Paul Wellens has named his 21-man squad for Friday night's Betfred Super League match at Hull KR, which kicks off at 8pm. Saints are looking to make it three wins in a row after back-to-back victories against Catalans Dragons and Huddersfield. Wellens makes two changes to the squad that performed so strongly at the John Smith’s Stadium last time out. Matt Whitley is available for following Head Injury Assessment protocols from the match against Catalans Dragons a fortnight ago.
Harry Robertson back in contention, fitness update ahead of Hull KR trip

1 week ago | sthelensstar.co.uk | Mike Critchley

That, coupled with two to three players coming coming back in contention - including Harry Robertson - will leave coach Paul Wellens with something of a selection headache. Although on-song centre Mark Percival was withdrawn late in the game at Huddersfield, Wellens confirmed that it was just a precautionary measure and there are no ill effects. Wellens said: “They have all generally come through pretty good. “Mark Percival is going to be fine.