St. Helens 2023 Season Preview

St. Helens gear up for a fifth straight Super League title charge under new boss and former club captain Paul Wellens.

You would be a very brave person to predict any club other than St. Helens to become champions in 2023, such has been their sheer brilliance over the last few seasons. They are searching for their 18^th rugby league title, and their 11^th Super League one.

By winning their fourth Championship in as many years in 2022 they created their own history, becoming the first team to do so in the Super League era.

This feat has only ever been achieved once before in the entire history of English rugby league, and it was by their arch rivals Wigan Warriors, who won seven straight titles from 1989 to 1996. The Saints have been the dominant side in recent years, but still trail them on that score by some distance.

Not many players joined or left the club over the Winter, therefore, we shouldn’t see that much of a different St. Helens, backing the point that they will once again be challenging for the title. However, the head coach has changed.

Following the most successful reign in the clubs history, Kristian Woolf has departed to return to Australia, and in stepped a club legend in Paul Wellens. Wellens has been the assistant coach for a while, learning from Justin Holbrook and Woolf in turn about the Saints philosophy.

The ex-fullback spent his entire playing career at the club, where he mounted up a legendary status. It’s clear that without a game even being played, he has already earnt the respect of the board, his players and the fans. All this evidence suggests it should be a smooth transition for St. Helens.

Speaking to the press about the new season Wellens said:

“Things are going really well. The transition from assistant to head coach is a really tough one, but the fact I’ve been at the club for a while has helped me smooth things over.

“Success to us is silverware and we will be doing our damndest to meet expectations.

“Year on year thing gets tougher. What I admire most about these boys is that they always rise to the next challenge.

“There a great group to work with and the success that they’ve had recently proves that.”

The table didn’t deceive in the Super League last year. The Saints finished four points above second place Wigan, but really looked untouchable at the top of the pile and in the play-offs. They have a tremendous winning spirit and culture that gets them result after result.

However, once again this could be the most competitive Super League season ever with quite a few teams improving their squads and looking able to compete at the top. Only time will tell if St. Helens can continue their dominance in 2023, or if they will finally pass over the crown.

2022 finishing position – 1^st (Grand Final winners)

Arrivals:

Tee Ritson (Barrow Raiders, loan), Wesley Bruines (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Departures:

Regan Grace (Racing 92), Kyle Amor (Widnes), Aaron Smith (Leigh Leopards), Josh Simm (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Rio Osayomwanbo-Corkill (released), Tom Nisbett (released)

 

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