Veteran half-back Carl Forber is having an operation today on a torn bicep which has derailed his season.
The 37-year-old Forber, who has played professionally since joining St Helens in 2004, could be out between three and six months.
Town’s record points scorer has amassed over 2,000 points in his career with the club.
Coach Anthony Murray said: “It’s a blow losing a player of Carl’s experience right at the start of a new season because we know what he brings to the team. We hope it’s going to be the lower end of the estimate – three months – before he’s back playing again.
“What it does mean is that it gives an opportunity to others to stake a regular claim.”
One of Murray’s signings Fergus Simpson partnered Cieran Walker in Saturday’s 38-10 win over a mixed Bradford Bulls side at Derwent Park.
He said: “I was more than happy with how we played because it gave us more attacking options and we had more good ball than in the previous games against Championship opposition.
“The players have taken on board everything I’ve asked of them and it’s a question now of preparing for our first League One game of the season against London Skolars on February 18.
“We will have three training sessions this week and two next week before travelling to London on the Friday. Everyone is looking forward to the first game.”
