The 22-year-old academy product has not played since damaging his shoulder during Saints' Super League clash against Castleford Tigers in May, an injury which saw him taken from the stadium to hospital on the day of the match.

Saints have revealed Stephens underwent brachial plexus nerve transfer surgery after months of specialist assessments and tests. The injury resulted in significant nerve damage and severely affected the use of his left arm.

The procedure involved surgeons transferring three nerves from his tricep to the C5 and C6 nerves, which control the deltoid muscle in the shoulder and the bicep in the upper arm. The aim is to help restore nerve function and improve control of his left arm.

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The club described the surgery as an important milestone after months of uncertainty as Stephens begins the next stage of what is expected to be a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Chairman Eamonn McManus said Stephens had faced "incredibly difficult physical and emotional challenges" over the past six months and that the surgery had given him "a platform for gradual recovery".

He added that the player's experience highlighted the risks rugby league players take and pledged that the club would support Stephens throughout his recovery.

Supporters responded with an outpouring of encouragement on social media following the club's update.

One supporter wrote: "Best of luck big man! Can't wait to see you back on the field", while another added: "Good luck and a full recovery no matter how long that has to take."

Others described the injury as "horrendous" and said they hoped to see Stephens back in a Saints shirt as soon as possible.