WIGAN'S injured stars are facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday's Challenge Cup crunch with St Helens.

Centre Gary Connolly is adamant he will play despite recovering from an operation on a cruciate ligament injury while it is touch and go on several other stars.

Henry Paul (shoulder), Steve Barrow (knee), Ian Sherratt (back) and Danny Ellison (hamstring) have all got a 50-50 chance of making it, while coach Graeme West will be waiting anxiously on fitness checks from Andy Farrell, Steve Holgate and Gael Talec who report back for training today after competing in the World Nines in Australia.

West is delighted he now has cover for the hooker position after Martin Hall was released from ARL contract and signed a two year deal.

"It is great to have cover in that position and in several others. It was something we didn't have at all last season. Martin is an experienced hooker but I will have to decide between him and Mick Cassidy for Saturday," added West.

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