One of the only positives to come out of Sunday’s NAB Challenge cancellation against Brisbane is the reality no injuries have been added to the Saints medical concerns.
Captain Nick Riewoldt was a late omission from the travelling party due to a virus, but GM of Football Performance Jamie Cox is confident the star forward will face Melbourne on Sunday in the Saints final hit out ahead of Round 1.
“Nick Riewoldt didn’t make the trip to Mackay because he had a virus the day of the team departing. He looks like he’s tracking pretty well as of today, and should be available to play on Sunday,” Cox told saints.com.au on Wednesday.
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Fellow key forward Paddy McCartin is unlikely to return at any level this weekend, with the 19-year-old still on the comeback trail from the minor hamstring strain he suffered against North Melbourne in Wangaratta.
“Paddy McCartin doesn’t look like he’ll come up (this week). Paddy’s probably another week away and we won’t risk him until he’s fit. So unfortunately he won’t play this week,” Cox said.
Father-son recruit Bailey Rice has overcome a bout of glandular fever and is set for some match practice this weekend, most likely in Sandringham’s fixture against Frankston on Saturday.
“Bailey Rice who had a case of glandular fever also looks like he’ll be okay to play a game most likely for Sandringham. Good news that he should be okay,” Cox said.
