Can Saints fill Long's boots? (From Warrington Guardian)

Can Saints fill Long's boots?

SAINTS coach Ian Millward says he may not need to bring in new players to cover for suspended Sean Long and Martin Gleeson - despite speculation linking the club with unsettled Aussie-based half back Chris Thorman.

Although Lee Gilmour slots in effortlessly at centre, the key job at scrum half throws up more difficulties for Saints' boss.

Last weekend Millward switched Paul Wellens to the number seven spot, but he may have reservations about playing Super League's form full back out of position for such a critical and lengthy spell.

Saints' other problem comes in the tactical kicking department, with the burden falling solely on skipper Paul Sculthorpe's shoulders in Long's absence.

New players may be available - and with Saints not paying Gleeson and Long's wages, they should have room under the salary cap.

But a cautious Millward said: "For the first time in a long while I have had agents ringing me up over the past 48 hours, saying 'Look I have got this guy'. I do have a meeting with my chairman on Wednesday (yesterday) to discuss things.

"But my first thought is, if we don't get any more injuries, to not bring anybody in. We are hopeful that Mike Bennett and Tim Jonkers will be back in the next two weeks.

"If we don't incur any further injuries I don't envisage signing anybody."

The club have been linked with former London half back Chris Thorman, who is struggling to get regular football with Parramatta Eels.

Millward said: "I am not looking for Chris to play for us in 2005. If a player was signing here short term to put himself in the shop window, that could be a possibility. But not a long term contract, no.

"I have got the spot where Chris plays earmarked by a couple of guys at the moment.

"And I have got some youngsters in my ranks, who I would like to give an opportunity over the next 12 months to two years. So to bring somebody in there would go against our development."

The next event in Keiron Cunningham's testimonial programme is a team golf day at Leigh on August 2.

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