Cunningham hopes to be playing again in March

St Helens hooker Keiron Cunningham feared he would never play again after dislocating his elbow playing for Great Britain in November.

The injury to his left elbow against New Zealand ruled him out for the remainder of the Test series and placed a question mark over his career.

But the 26-year-old Wales international is on the road to recovery and hopes to be back playing again in March.

"I went to see the best surgeon in the country and he told me that it was the worst injury of its type he had seen," said Cunningham.

"The left elbow was virtually snapped in half and he warned me after the surgery that I may not play again.

"I was devastated but, fortunately, the diagnosis is now more positive and I hope to be playing again by mid-March."

Cunningham will be out of the opening rounds of the Challenge Cup and the first month of the Super League season.

Wellens should be fit for the World Club Challenge

He will also miss the World Club Challenge clash against Sydney Roosters on 14 February.

But there is better news for fellow Great Britain international Paul Wellens, who is expected to resume light training next week following knee surgery.

Meanwhile, Saints' new Australian recruit, loose forward Darren Smith has arrived into the country along with winger Darren Albert.

The pair are both hoping to be involved against the Roosters.

Smith missed out on the NRL Grand Final in October because his former club, Canterbury Bulldogs, were docked points as a result of breaches of the salary cap rules.

"Because I wasn't in the team that won the Super League last season, I'll have to wait and see whether I play against the Roosters or not," said Smith.

"But I'd love to play in the match because last season ended early for me."

The club's other overseas signing, Jason Hooper, is due to arrive on New Year's Day, ready for the start of pre-season training next Monday.

St Helens fly to Lanzarote next month for a week-long warm-weather camp to step up their preparations for the Challenge Cup assault and the Roosters clash.

The champions have a friendly with Widnes on 2 February but are still working on a date for their proposed cross-code challenge with Sale at Knowsley Road.