Saints delay Goulding decision

Rugby League

St Helens are likely to have to negotiate the trickiest hurdle separating them from the Stones Super League title tonight without their inspirational captain, Bobbie Goulding.

Saints' coach, Shaun McRae, is giving Goulding, his scrum-half and goal- kicker, as long as possible to recover from damaged ankle ligaments in time to face Bradford Bulls.

Goulding was on crutches earlier this week and must be considered an extremely doubtful starter for a match Saints need to win if they are to preserve their one-point lead at the top of the table.

With Chris Joynt also doubtful, Keiron Cunningham is poised to become one of Saints' youngest captains at the age of 19.

Two former St Helens players are set to miss the reunion with their old club. Bernard Dwyer has a strained hamstring and is replaced by Paul Medley, while Paul Loughlin was yesterday suspended for two matches for a high tackle against London Broncos last week. Loughlin will appeal today.

If Bradford can beat Saints, Wigan, at home to Castleford tonight, cannot only be expected to go top but to stay there.