SAINTS coach Kristian Woolf has revealed that youngster Dan Hill injured his shoulder 10 minutes into Sunday's game against Castleford - but played on for another hour until being withdrawn.

He will now be out of action for between four-to-six weeks with the injury - one that clearly hampered his efforts to halt Castleford's big wing Bureta Faraimo late in the game.

The 20-year-old, who joined from Widnes on two-year deal, was on his home debut - slotting on the wing in place of the injured Regan Grace.

Woolf praised the youngster's commitment to the Saints cause in staying out there.

He said: "Dan picked that injury up first 10 minutes when he dived on the ball when Cas kicked behind the line.

"He showed incredible toughness and a real commitment to the team by staying out on the field for another 60 minutes.

"That was incredible commitment for a young bloke. He will be a bit disappointed with a couple of things late in the game but at the same time he was playing under a bit of duress so deserves a bit of credit there."

Cas mounted their late rally down the right edge, with Faraimo being difficult to pull down so close to to the line - and twice getting past the young Saints wing.

"With the two tries there was not much Dan could have done with a busted shoulder – but if he’d been fit and healthy there were some things he could have possibly done," Woolf said.

"He was brave to stay out there, knowing that we don’t really carry replacements on the bench for a winger and deserves credit for that.

"He will be looked after now – these times can be difficult periods for players because they are a little bit removed from playing and the group in general.

"So he will get some support there and I think he understands that everyone is really proud of what he has come up with and how brave and committed he was as well.

"That is a great sign for a young player and of his commitment to the team even though he has only been here for a short period."

Woolf had said several weeks ago that he had been impressed with Hill's development in the time he has been in the full-time Saints environment.

And the utility back is one that will benefit from experience in the first team panel. 

"He's a guy that we have high hopes for in terms of him developing.

"He is only going to get better from the more games he gets and the more training he does and the experience he gains.

"His progression from where he was when he came as a kid with some ability but underdeveloped physically, skillwise and education wise.

"His development in that period of time has been exceptional that’s why he got that opportunity at the weekend and the more time he spends with us the more opportunities he will get," Woolf said.

He has a bright future.