Paul Wellens will have a selection headache this weekend with the returning Morgan Knowles and Moses Mbye.

It is a nice dilemma to have as the St Helens coach will have the luxury of a full squad at his disposal for the second fixture of the season.

After a convincing 40-4 victory against newly promoted London Broncos last week, some Saints players will be unlucky to miss out on this week’s action.

Said Wellens: “It’s not a nice part of the job. It’s always very easy to sit players down when they’ve not played well or hit the standard they need to be at.

“Those conversations are a lot easier to have than to be speaking about not playing with players who are training well and have gone out and performed on the weekend.

“We are relatively healthy as a squad at the moment, and with that comes tough decisions. That’s why I’m in the job, to make those tough calls. They’re not always popular decisions but I have to do what’s right for the team.’’

Newly appointed vice-captain Knowles is available for selection again following his recovery from minor groin surgery. Meanwhile the versatile Mbye is once again in contention for a spot after struggling with a knee injury.

The 4Saints coach added: “They have trained with us, and we are monitoring their response, all being well they will come back into recognition.

“You’ve got two players available there, added to 17 that did well last week, so again there lies some tough calls to be made.’’

The Super League outfit head to The John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday in what promises to be a tough battle against Huddersfield Giants. The Yorkshire side produced a steely opening round performance on the road last week, overcoming Leigh Leopards 18-6.

Recognising the Giants’ “wealth of experience at the top of super league”, Wellens insists the fixture will be a challenge against an opponent who’s early signs look promising. Although, he believes the challenge will be embraced by his “selfless” squad.

He said: “They’re going to be motivated, they’ll be delighted to have won at Leigh, which is a difficult place to go.

“I’m sure Ian Watson is not going to be patting himself on the back, they’ll be looking to build in a similar way to us. I think you’re going to have two teams wanting to build on success. I think that is what makes for a really challenging game for both teams this weekend.’’

Watson, who was appointed as The Giant’s coach in 2020, was also recognised by his opposite number.

Wellens added: “What Huddersfield have been since he took over, is a very workmanlike team, that don’t give a lot away cheaply. They compete very highly, and that makes for a difficult game.’’

For the first time since 2019, Saints aren’t defending the Super League. On Saturday, over a thousand St Helens fans will make the trip to see Wellens and his squad look to build on last week’s momentum in their pursuit to regain the title.

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