St Helens look to bounce back in Super League
- Super League Raw
- Feb 9
- 4 min read
The year 2024 proved to be a tumultuous chapter for the Saints fans, as the club, besieged by injuries, barely clawed their way into the playoffs, maintaining an unbroken attendance in the knockout stage of the competition. Perhaps nothing illustrated their struggles more than the fact that the Warrington Wolves triumphed over them four times throughout the season, slaying them in the Challenge Cup and culminating in their elimination from the Super League in Golden Point heartbreak.
Many paused in reflection when Tommy Makinson revealed his departure from St Helens after a remarkable 14-year journey filled with triumph. His legacy shines bright, evidenced by an impressive win percentage of 70.62%. One truth remains: when Tommy returns donning the colors of the Catalan Dragons in Round 11, he will be met with a heartfelt standing ovation at the Totally Wicked Stadium. Similarly, Sione Mata'utia bids adieu, having been a cornerstone of consistency and versatility in recent seasons. His valiant performances last year, particularly in the absence of Alex Walmsley, speak volumes, while his vibrant spirit endeared him to all off the field.
Paul Wellens is a man under pressure going into the new season with St Helens fans just about keeping faith on social media at this time. He needs a strong start to win over any doubters and lift the atmosphere around the ground. Like many coaches Paul continues to promote youth with Noah Stephens and Harry Robertson securing their debuts in 2024 and new long term contracts in 2025, two players who will be the future of the club.
"For us as a club we need to be in and about the big games. Where we lacked last year was consistency. That is what we need to address" Paul Wellens
Enter Tristan Sailor, a promising candidate poised to step into the shoes of the departing Lewis Dodd in the halves. Yet, throughout his NRL journey, Tristan has often graced the field as a 3/4, and there lies the possibility of him taking on the fullback role, with Welsby shifting to the number six position. This arrival bestows upon the Saints a dynamic flexibility during matches, creating challenges for rival defenses—a truly invaluable asset. At just 26, with a treasure trove of Rugby still to unfold, Sailor boasts 60 appearances in the Queensland Cup and 21 in the NRL for St George and the Brisbane Broncos. He is a player brimming with potential, destined to illuminate the Super League stage, much like the illustrious Jackson Hastings, Brodie Croft, and Bevan French before him.
Then there is Kyle Feldt, a formidable force in the NRL who will step into the shoes of the revered Tommy Makinson. With a storied career that includes appearances in the State of Origin and an impressive tally of 217 games for the North Queensland Cowboys, Feldt has dazzled fans by scoring 151 tries along the way. At the age of 33, he brings forth a wealth of experience, ready to aid the coaching staff in nurturing the burgeoning talents of Jon Bennison and Lewis Murphy for the seasons ahead. One thing is certain: Feldt will surely score plenty of tries in 2025.
"They have all settled in really well, we have 3 players who will add a lot to our game." Paul Wellens
Paul Wellens is optimistic that Feldt, Sailor, and Lewis Murphy will contribute the essential elements needed to reestablish the Saints as a formidable force. It is noteworthy that Lewis Murphy scored 19 tries in 24 games for Wakefield Trinity before his tenure in Australia. Murphy possesses a playing style reminiscent of Matty Ashton from the Warrington Wolves, showcasing both acrobatic scoring ability and remarkable speed. He could potentially emerge as one of the standout signings of the season.
During 'Super League Raw Weekly' the panel assessed the St Helens squad ahead of the new season, watch their debate here:
St Helens is a club that embraces lofty aspirations, setting their sights on reclaiming the illustrious Challenge Cup and Super League trophy. The initial six rounds will serve as a revealing taster to the season that lies ahead. The first trio of matches against the Salford Red Devils, Wakefield Trinity, and Castleford Tigers feels likely to be penned in as victories. These encounters will prepare them for the formidable trials posed by Hull KR, Warrington Wolves, and Catalan Dragons that follow. Will the Saints once again march triumphantly into the Finals? Only time will unveil the answer.
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