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St Helens R.F.C.

(Redirected fromSt Helens RFC)
This article is about the English rugby league team. For the English rugby union team, seeLiverpool St Helens F.C.

St Helens R.F.C.,commonly known asSaints,is a professionalrugby leagueclub inSt Helens, Merseyside,England.Founded in 1873, the club is one of the oldest members of theRugby Football League,and one of the most successful clubs in its history. The club plays their home games at theTotally Wicked Stadiumand currently compete inSuper League,the top tier ofBritish rugby league system.Since 1961 the club's home colours have been distinctive white shirts with a prominent red "V" on the chest of the jersey.

St Helens
Club information
Full nameSt Helens Rugby Football Club
Nickname(s)The Saints
Red V
ColoursWhite and red
Founded1873;151 years ago(1873)
Websitesaintsrlfc.com
Current details
Ground(s)
CoachPaul Wellens
CaptainJonny Lomax
CompetitionSuper League
2024 season6th
Uniforms
Home colours
Away colours
Records
Championships17(1932,1953,1959,1966,1970,1971,1975,1996,1999,2000,2002,2006,2014,2019,2020,2021,2022)
Challenge Cups13(1956,1961,1966,1972,1976,1996,1997,2001,2004,2006,2007,2008,2021)
World Club Challenges3(2001,2007,2023)
Other honours39
Most capped551–James Roby
Highest points scorer3,413–Kel Coslett

St Helens have won theLeague Championship17 times, theChallenge Cup13 times andWorld Club Challengeon three occasions.[1][2]Since the foundation of the Super League in 1996, Saints have been the most successful team, winning 10 championships (including 4 in a row between 2019 and 2022), and being runner up a further 5 times (losing toLeeds Rhinoseach time between 2007 and 2011), while winning theLeague Leaders Shield9 times.

They club have a traditionalrivalry with Wigan Warriorsas the two most successful clubs in the British game, and close regional rivals. The clubs face each other traditionally onGood Friday.The club also have a local rivalry with theWarrington Wolvesand a rivalry with Leeds Rhinos borne out of close competition during the Super League era.

History

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Main article:History of St Helens R.F.C.
See also:List of St Helens R.F.C. seasons

Early years (1873–1945)

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St. Helens pictured in thefirst ever Challenge Cup Final,1897: Batley (left) vs St Helens (right)

St Helens are the oldest members of theRugby Football League.[3]Founded asSt Helens Football Clubon 19 November 1873 at the Fleece Hotel by William Douglas Herman,[4]they played their first ever match on 31 January 1874 againstLiverpoolRoyal Infirmary.[5]They became known asSt Helens Rangersup until the 1880s. The club moved from the City Ground in 1890 where they had shared withSt Helens Recswhen neither were members of the Northern Rugby Football Union.[4]They defeated Manchester Rangers in the first match played at Knowsley Road.

In 1895 the club were one of22 clubs that resignedfrom theRugby Football Unionand established theNorthern Union.[3]The first match of the new code was an 8–3 win at home toRochdale Hornetsbefore 3,000 spectators,Bob Dohertyscoring St Helens' first try.[6]They played in a vertically striped blue and white jersey—a stark contrast to the well known broad red band which would become the kit for the club later. The club reverted to this kit for one season during the rugby league centenary season in1995.

TheChallenge Cupwas launched in1897and it was St Helens who contested its first final withBatley,atHeadingley,Leeds.The "Gallant Youths" of Batley emerged victorious 10–3,[7][8]with Dave "Red" Traynor scoring the lone St Helens' try.[9]

St Helens 1897 Challenge Cup Final team
11Tom Winstanley (Second-row) 12Tom Reynolds (Second-row)
14Billy Briers (FL) 13Peter Dale (Loose forward) 15Bill Whiteley (FL)
7Freddie Little (Scrum-half)
6Richard O'Hara (Stand-off)
4Jim Barnes (Centre)
3David Traynor (Centre)
5Billy Jacques(Wing) 2Bob Doherty(Wing)
1Tom Foulkes (Fullback)

Between 1897 and 1901, St Helens were not successful, even generally considered a mid—table side.[10][11][12]They finished second to bottom in the 1900–01 Lancashire League season, meaning they did not qualify to compete in the national league the year later.[13]In the 1901–02 season, however, they did finish third in the Lancashire league.[14]In1902–03,the combinedLancashireandYorkshireleagues saw St Helens enter for the first time. St Helens were placed in Division 1 but finished next to bottom and suffered relegation.[15]Promotion was gained at the first attempt,[16]only for another poor year to see them finish once again in a relegation position.[17]However the two Divisions became one League to save the club from a second relegation.[18]The Champion fortunes that St Helens fans' greet today were certainly not apparent in this period, with the club finishing fourth to bottom in 1907,[19]third to bottom in 1908,[20]and consistently mid—table between 1909 and 1913.[21][22][23][24][25]

On 14 June 1913,St Helens Recsjoined theNorthern Unionafter defecting fromrugby unionandassociation football.The Recs were based individually at the City Road ground, after previously sharing with St Helens, before their move to Knowsley Road, when neither played rugby league. The Recs played their first game on 6 September 1913. St Helens now had twoprofessionalrugby league teams. In both sides first year in co—existence, St Helens finished yet again in a disappointing low mid—table finish.[26]

During theFirst World War,St Helens struggled to compete and failed to complete the full fixture list of the Emergency War League on two occasions,[27][28][29]with the club finishing mid—table in the first year of the war,[30]as well as being beaten by 37 points to 3 by Huddersfield in that year's Challenge Cup Final.[31]

The aftermath of the war was still taking its toll on national sport, not merely the club's ability to compete and complete fixtures, on 31 January 1918 'close down' due to a lack of finances following a 22–0 defeat by Widnes. Saints re-open on 25 December 1918 and are beaten 20 points to nil by St Helens Recs in a friendly fixture at City Road. In the shortened 1918–1919 season, St Helens played only nine times.[32]The club's lack of success and disappointing league finishes continued for another seven seasons.[33][34][35][36][37][38][39]

The club defeated town rivals the Recs in theLancashireCounty CupFinal by 10 points to 2 in the1926–27season.[40]The season after, they were trophyless, finishing tenth in a 28—team league.[41]One year after the Challenge Cup's début atWembley,St Helens reached the final there where they were defeated by 10 points to 3 byWidnesin 1930.[7][42]They won their first ever National Championship in the1931–32season,[43]defeatingHuddersfield9–5 in the final.[44]This was the same season that they won their secondLancashire League,[45]the first coming in the1929–30season.[46]They lost the 1933 Lancashire Cup Final to Warrington,[47]whilst finishing in no competitive position in the league once more.[48]St Helens reached no finals or achieved any more honours during the remainder of the 1930s.[1]Also, what appeared to be building as something of an inter—town derby between the two St Helens clubs was struck down asSt Helens Recsplayed their last game on 29 April 1939, as, due to theeconomic depression,it was not possible for the town to sustain two teams.[49]

Like during the First World War, the club could not enjoy having a full—time squad during theSecond World Warand struggled to compete. They did not compete in the National Championship until a 17 team Emergency War League was formed in the 1941–42 season,[50]and did not win any regional honours. They finished bottom of the EWL in seasons 1942–43[51]and 1943–44[52]and next-to-bottom in 1944–45.[53]

Post-war (1945–1979)

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The club's fortunes that had seen them be successful so rarely the decade previous did not change in the 1940s. After the commitments of the Second World War, St Helens still found it hard to compete, and the trend of finishing as a mid—table side was once more apparent.[54][55][56][57][58]The first two years of the 1950s, the last two years of Peter Lyons' reign, also ended trophyless.[59][60]

The arrival ofJim Sullivanashead coachin 1952[61]heralded a successful era for St Helens, and helped to establish the club as a respected force in British and eventually world rugby league. Under Sullivan, St Helens reached, and lost, the 1952–53 Challenge Cup final.[62]They didn't have long to wait for trophies as St Helens won theLancashire Leagues,in1952–53,[63]The 1953 Championship final against Halifax was held at Manchester City's Maine Road ground; in front of a crowd of over 50,000, Saints won their second Championship 24–14. They also won the 1953 Lancashire Cup, beating Wigan 16–8 at Swinton, the first time the two old rivals had clashed in a major final, Saints.

Sullivan took Saints to their first victory in the Challenge Cup final (againstHalifaxin 1956),[7][64]On Saturday 24 November 1956, St Helens inflicted a touringAustraliaits biggest ever defeat with a 44–2 win.[65]

The following year saw Saints win the 1956-7 Lancashire League1956–57[66]and they won it again in1958–59.[67] Sullivan's second championship came in1958–59.[68]A secondLancashireCounty Cupcame in 1960–61,[69]

The now synonymous red "vee" of St Helens—still used today—was first seen in the 1961 Challenge Cup Final.

Ex—St Helenscaptainandprop-forwardAlan Prescotttook over from Jim Sullivan as head coach in 1959.[61]Perhaps the golden era of the club came in the 1960s, as well as more lately in theSuper League era.With a galaxy of stars includingTom van Vollenhoven,Alex Murphy,Dick Huddart,Cliff Watson,Ray FrenchandVince Karalius,the 1960s was a decade of great success for the Saints. In Prescott's first season as coach he lifted the Lancashire League inthe 1959–60 season.[70]During this decade, the recognisable 'red vee' strip first appeared in 1961 for thefinalagainstWigan.St Helens won this epic 12–6,[7][71]and the kit has since become synonymous with the club.Mick Sullivanjoined Saints for £11,000, then a record transfer fee.[citation needed]They won the Lancashire Cup in the 1961–62 season, with a 25–9 success overSwinton(atCentral Park,Wigan) seeing yet more silverware come St Helens' way under the management of Prescott.[72]After his departure in 1962,Stan McCormickled the club to retaining the Lancashire Cup in his first year,[73]again beating Swinton; and St Helens made it a quadruplet of Lancashire Cup successes with wins against Leigh in 1964,[74]and once more Swinton in 1965, the latter success under coach Joe Coan.[75]St Helens won the Western Division Championship under McCormick's rule, beating Swinton 10–7.[76]St Helens, under coach Joe Coan, lost the 1964–65 Championship final to Halifax atStation Road, Swinton.[77]The 1965New Zealandtourists appeared at Knowsley Road on Wednesday 15 September. Saints inflicted a 28–7 defeat on their visitors,[78]their biggest loss of the tour. ALeague[79]andCup[7][80]double was achieved under Coan in the 1965–66 season, whilst they lost the Floodlit Trophy final againstCastleford.[81]St Helens were beaten byWakefield Trinityin the 1967Rugby Football League ChampionshipFinal atStation Road, Swintonon 10 May 1967 by 20 points to 9 in a replay,[82]after a 7–7 draw 4 days earlier.[83]This would be Coan's last year in charge at St Helens after a highly successful period as boss. He was replaced byCliff Evans.

Evans' first full season in charge at the club saw him win the club's eighth Lancashire Cup in 1968; winning 13–10 against Warrington after a replay.[84]St Helens retained the Lancashire Cup the year later,[85]whilst also winning the Lancashire League for being the highest placed Lancashire side in the National standings,[86]and they also reached the final of the Floodlit Trophy that season, where they were beaten 7–4 by Wigan.[87]The 1969–70 season would be the year that Evans would leave his post, but not without winning a National Championship, beating Leeds in the final after finishing third overall.[88]

The 1970s were also seen as a successful spell for St Helens, as they reached three Challenge Cup finals in the period.Jim Challinortook over from Cliff Evans in 1970, and in his first season, he won the Championship,[89][90]and reached two finals, the Lancashire Cup and Floodlit Trophy, losing both.[91][92]In this season, a European Championship—not dissimilar to today'sWorld Club Challenge—was contested between St Helens and French championsSt Gaudens.Over a two—legged game, St Helens won 92–11 on aggregate.[93][94]In their first Challenge Cup Final of the 1970s, they defeatedLeedsin 1972 16–13,[7][95]in addition to winning their first Floodlit Trophy, after losing out in the final three times before, with an 8–2 win over Rochdale.[96]The club reached the Championship final in that season, but were beaten.[97]No success was achieved in seasons 1972–73 and 1973–74, with St Helens finishing third and second in the respective years.[98][99]This could be a possible reason for Jim Challinor's replacement withEric Ashtonas head coach.[61]In Ashton's first season in charge, St Helens won the Championship,[100]and contested the inauguralPremiershipFinal, losing 26–11 to Leeds.[101]They repeated their first Challenge Cup success of the 1970s three years after the first againstWidnesin 1976 where they were victorious by 20–5 in the famous 'Dads Army' final.[7][102]They also won the Premiership againstSalford,[103]and the Floodlit Trophy againstDewsburyin a successful season.[104]In the same year, St Helens lost toEastern Suburbsin an unofficialWorld Club ChallengeFinal by 25 points to 2.[105]The club won the Premiership in 1977,[106]but, on 13 December 1977, Saints lost 26–11 toHull Kingston Roversin the final of theBBC2 Floodlit Trophy.[107]In 1978 Leeds avenged their 1972 loss against St Helens, emerging winners by 14–12.[7][108]St Helens lost the Floodlit Trophy in the 1978–79 season, going down to Widnes.[109]The 1979–80 season was unsuccessful, with St Helens finishing mid—table.[110]Eric Ashton left the club after this disappointing year.[61]

The 1980s, and early to mid-1990s

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Former club player and Welsh internationalKel Cosletttook over as coach in June 1980.[61][111]However, his spell as coach was not nearly as successful as his spell as a player, and St Helens won nothing whilst under Coslett's command, finishing mid-table in both seasons.[112][113]He held the post for two years before handing over toBilly Benyon.[61][114]Not in-keeping with several of his predecessors, Benyon did not enjoy any success in his first season as St Helens coach, losing the Lancashire Cup final of that year to Warrington.[115]Nothing was won in the 1983–84 season,[116]but Saints won back the Lancashire Cup, with a 26–18 win at Wigan in the 1984–85 season.[117]They also won thePremiershipin the same season with a 36–16 victory over defending champions Hull Kingston Rovers atElland RoadinLeeds.The 1984–85 season saw the arrival (for one season only) of giant Australian international centreMal Meningawho quickly became a crowd favourite at Knowsley Road.[118]In Benyon's last season as coach, 1985–86, nothing was won.[119]

The arrival ofAlex Murphyas coach in 1986[61][120]produced some colourful displays from a team that was widely regarded as an entertaining team to watch, but seemed to be constant runners-up. This was illustrated by the defeat byHalifaxin the Challenge Cup final at Wembley, 19–18, in 1987.[121]Success was achieved in 1988 when St Helens lifted their one and onlyJohn Player Trophywith a 15–14 victory over Leeds in January 1988, atCentral Park,Wigan.[122]Neil Holdingwith the crucial, match-winningdrop-goal.They, however, lost to Widnes in thePremiership FinalatOld Traffordat the end of the season, further showing this team's ability to get to finals and not be able to compete on the best stage.[123]Nothing was achieved in the next two seasons,[124][125]including a defeat in the 1989 Challenge Cup Final[126]and Murphy stood down as coach.

Murphy was succeeded byMike McClennanin February 1990.[61]In his first season, McClennan took St Helens to the 1991 Challenge Cup Final, where they were defeated by 13 points to 8 by Wigan.[127]They won the Lancashire Cup, in the 1991–92 season, beatingRochdale Hornets.[128]They also lost the Premiership Final that season, losing to Wigan.[129]In 1993 the club avenged their defeat by Wigan the season previous to win the Premiership,[130]in the same season that they won theCharity Shield,[131]and lost the Lancashire Cup final.[132]McClennan was head coach until December 1993, whenEric Hughessucceeded him as head coach in 1994.[61]Under Hughes, St Helens only reached the one, Regal Trophy Final, where they lost to Wigan in 1996 by 25 to 16.[133]They finished fourth in both of Hughes' seasons in charge.[134][135]The lack of trophies in the St Helens cabinet, after the club had suddenly become so accustomed to success, would need to change in the "new" brandSuper Leaguethat formed in 1996; hence Hughes' departure in 1996 and replacement with AustralianShaun McRae.[61]

Summer era

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Following on from their most constant ambition for successes, first experienced really in the 1960s, Saints became one of the most successful side of thesummer era.Since the inception ofSuper Leaguein 1996, they have won the title on eight occasions, and have added sevenChallenge Cupsto their five previous successes. Indeed, they won theinaugural Super League,albeit by finishing top of the league before the play—off era. St Helens defeatedBradford8–6 in the1999 Super League Grand Final,their first Grand Final, with more than 50,000 people witnessingChris Joyntlift the trophy at Old Trafford.[136]They also won theWorld Club Challengein2001and2007,beatingBrisbaneboth times.[137][138]In 2023 they then beat Penrith Panthers 13-12 in Australia to win it for a third time.

Late 1990s

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The success of the Saints in Super League began under the leadership ofShaun McRaein 1996. During his tenure the club won one league title (1996),[139]a year in which he was named Super League's coach of the year, and enjoyed back—to—back successes over Bradford in the Challenge Cup (1996[140]and 1997[141]). St Helens lost consecutive Premiership finals to Wigan in 1996,[142]and 1997.[143]1998 proved to be a trophyless year,[144]andEllery Hanleysucceeded McRae in 1999, after the Australian left for new Super League sideGateshead.[61]Hanley led Saints toGrand Finalsuccess against Bradford in October of his first year in charge.[136]Hanley was considered by many to be a polarising figure and after several acrimonious disagreements with the St Helens board of directors, he was sacked a month into thefollowing season.[145]Ian Millwardwas appointed as Hanley's successor as head coach.[61]

2000s

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Millward's reign and a controversial sacking (2000–2005)
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St. Helens defeated Wigan Warriors in the2000 Super League Grand Final.

Under Millward, St Helens quickly became the most exciting team in the competition, playing expansive, attacking rugby. He saw them soundly beaten in the2000 World Club Challenge,losing 44–6 toMelbourne,[146]but lead them to retaining their Super League title in2000beatingWigan29–16.[147]They also won theChallenge Cupin 2001; 13–6 over Bradford,[148]with the final held atTwickenham Stadiumfor the first time,[149]and the2001 World Club Challenge,earning a 20–18 win over the Broncos.[137][150]Millward then lead Saints to the top ofSuper League VII,and to reclaim the Super League title in the2002 Grand Final,[151]Sean Longsnatching a last minute 19–18 win over theBradfordwith adrop—goal.[152]They lost the 2002 Challenge Cup Final to Wigan atMurrayfield Stadiumby 21 points to 12.[153]They were hammered in the2003 World Club ChallengebySydneyby 38 points to 0.[154]In this season, they failed to win a trophy after being knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Leeds at the semi—final stage, and the Super League play—offs by Wigan at the same stage. In 2004 they beat arch—rivals Wigan 32–16 at theMillennium Stadium,Cardiffin front of a capacity crowd of 73,734 people to win theChallenge Cup,[155]Long gaining his second of an eventual threeLance Todd Trophies.[156]

Millward's reign was not without controversy and his St Helens career ended controversially after he was suspended in May 2005.[157]He was sacked for gross misconduct a week later.[158]Daniel Anderson was appointed as coach,[61]Millward was then made coach of archrivals Wigan.[159]

The Anderson era (2005–2008)
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St Helens lifting the Challenge Cup trophy after the2006Final

Daniel Anderson saw his new team become the first team to top theSuper Leagueand fail to reachOld Traffordin 2005.[160][161]However, St Helens won the2006 Challenge CupFinal atTwickenham Stadium,beatingHuddersfield42–12.[162]Scrum-halfSean Long was awarded theLance Todd trophyfor a record third time for his man—of—the—match performance during the final.[156]

St Helens followed up their Challenge Cup win by claiming theLeague Leader's Shield,[163]before cementing their reputation as the team of the year by defeating Hull 26 points to 4 in theSuper League Grand Final.[164]Once more St Helens confirmed their status as the outstanding team of the summer era. Additionally,Paul Wellensreceived theMan of Steel Awardfor the 2006 season.[165]

In December 2006 St Helens were awarded with theBBC Sports Personality of the Year Team Awardat the AnnualBBC Sports Personality of the YearCeremony. This accolade recognises the best team in any sport within the United Kingdom. At the same ceremonyDaniel Andersonwas given theBBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award– this was the first time a rugby league coach had won the award.[166]

After a slow start to the2007 season,Saints added to their history by beatingBrisbane18–14 to win the2007 World Club Challenge.[138]

St Helens 2007 World Club Championship winning team
8Nick Fozzard (PR) 14James Roby (HK) 10Jason Cayless (PR)
11Lee Gilmour (SR) 15Mike Bennett (SR)
12Jon Wilkin (LF)
7Sean Long (SH)
6Leon Pryce (SO)
4Willie Talau (CE)
3Matt Gidley (CE)
5Francis Meli (WG) 2Ade Gardner (WG)
1Paul Wellens (FB)
Substitutes
9Keiron Cunningham (HK)
18Bryn Hargreaves (PR)
13Paul Sculthorpe (LF)
17James Graham (PR)

In July, they beat Super League rivals,Bradford,[167]to reach the first Challenge Cup final at the new Wembley Stadium.[168]Here, St Helens successfully defended their Challenge Cup by defeatingCatalans Dragons30–8 in thefinalon 25 August 2007.[169]They were beaten in theGrand Final that yearbyLeedsby 33 points to 6,[170]despite finishing at the top of theleague ladderfor the third successive season.[171]James Roby,however, became the second St Helens player, and home—grown talent in two years to win the Man of Steel Award.

Saints success in the Challenge Cup continued in2008with a victory at the newWembley Stadium,this time defeatingHull F.C.28–16.[172]Paul Wellensreceived theLance Todd Trophyafter sharing the award with team-mateLeon Prycethe year earlier.[156]

They also achieved first place again in the2008 Super Leagueseason—for the fourth year running[173]—winning theLeague Leaders Shield,and beat Leeds 38–10 for the right to go to Old Trafford to contest the Grand Final.[174]However, St Helens were once again defeated by Leeds in theGrand Final,by a margin of 24 to 16, on 4 October 2008.[175]James Graham,on a positive note, made it a hat—trick of ex—Blackbrook Royals to win the Man of Steel Award whilst playing for St Helens. This would be Anderson's last game in charge of the club, as he announced he was to return to Australia and theParramatta Eelsof theNRL.St Helens fans and players alike were saddened to see Anderson leave, after not only upholding the tradition of St Helens exciting brand of rugby, but giving them a defensive and disciplined edge that was never apparent under Ian Millward. His personality and relationship with the fans was an additional reason why St Helens fans were disgruntled in him leaving after four years in charge and why next bossMick Potterfaced a fair amount of criticism in his initial period as boss.

The Potter years (2009–2010)
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St Helens againstWidnes Vikingsin the pre-season 2010 Karalius Cup

Mick Potter was announced as the successor to Anderson, which received many plaudits from the St. Helens fans and the European game as a whole, as the year previous he had led theCatalans Dragonsto a record—high third—placed finish in the league. On 9 August 2009, St Helens reached a record ninth consecutiveChallenge Cupsemi—final,[176]where they were beaten by 24 points to 14 by theHuddersfield Giants.[177]This prevented Saints from reaching the final at thenew Wembley Stadiumfor a third successive time and from winning the cup for a fourth time running. This defeat naturally came as a shock to the St Helens faithful, after so often in the last 15 years seeing the team reach the pinnacle of this competition and go on to win the cup. It was from here that the criticism began, and questions were raised particularly of his tactics and his activity (or lack of) in the transfer market.

On 3 October 2009, Saints defeated fierce rivals the Wigan Warriors to book their place at a fourth consecutiveSuper League Grand Final,[178] only to lose out to the Leeds Rhinos in the final, 18–10, making the Leeds Rhinos the only team to win the Grand Final three times consecutively. A 20-year-oldKyle Eastmondscored all of Saints' points.[179]A trophyless year for the first time since 2003 was another catalyst to Potter's critics abusing and slating his appointment, with even rumours of rifts within the changing rooms.

2010s

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James Robyin 2010

2010 was the year that saw Potter surrender to his critics and leave St. Helens. Criticisms from club legends like Paul Sculthorpe and Sean Long regarding his personal skills with the fans,[180]as well as the continued fan rejection saw him let his contract run out and, initially, seek a job in the NRL,[181][182][183]but eventually, and perhaps surprisingly, join Bradford on a two—year contract.[184]Names likeRoyce Simmons,[185]Mal Meninga,[186]and assistant coachKieron Purtill,[187]were linked with the job for 2011. Simmons was the chosen man for the job, as announced on 22 July 2010.[188][189]The 2010 season would also see legendary hooker and captain Keiron Cunningham retire from the game after 17 years with his one and only club. However, Cunningham would not be leaving without leaving a lasting legacy on the club. A lifelike bronze statue of Cunningham was built and placed on display in the town, before being transported to the club's new stadium upon its construction in 2012.[190][191]He would additionally take up a coaching role with the academy, as well as a strength and conditioning role with the first team.[188]In light of these decisions, neither Cunningham nor Potter halted their personal and the St Helens team quest for success; shown by their tenth successive semi—final appearance in theChallenge Cup.[192]However, Saints failure to perform on the big stage was once more shown, going down in this semi—final by 32–28.[193]Defeating Huddersfield Giants in the qualifying semi—final in the2010 play-off seriesby 42–22 not only saw Saints qualify for their fifth Grand Final in five years, but also saw the final ever game to be played at Knowsley Road. Fittingly, Cunningham snatched the final ever try at the famous old ground in typical fashion from dummy—half.[194]However, for the fourth year running, St Helens once more proved flops in theGrand Final.One of the finest finals of the Super League era was anticipated,[195]but the flamboyant Saints that the fans saw so rarely under Potter once more failed to materialise, and, in front of a near sell—out crowd of 71,526, they fell to a 22–10 loss to rivals Wigan.[196]It was not the romantic finish to the Saints careers of Potter, Cunningham or any of the departing members of the squad that many had hoped for, but nevertheless, a new era was just around the corner, as Simmons' reign began.

Beginning of a new era (2011–present)
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AustralianRoyce Simmonstook over from compatriot Mick Potter for the start of the 2011 season. As the club awaited completion of the new stadium, all home fixtures in 2011 were played at theHalton StadiuminWidnes,effectively meaning St Helens were forced to play an entire season of away fixtures. In addition, they suffered upheaval in terms of the playing squad; having already lost the influential Cunningham to retirement and other club legends like Sean Long, the start of the season was overshadowed by the news thatKyle Eastmond,who had been earmarked as Long's replacement, and inspirational leaderJames Grahamwere both looking to leave the club. A number of serious injuries to further key players such asLeon PryceandAde Gardnermeant the team was facing an uphill battle on the field all season. However, despite all the problems faced, St Helens defied the odds to reach their 11th Challenge Cup semi-final in a row, and at the end of the season they qualified for their sixth consecutive Grand Final. However, for the fifth year in a row they were on the losing side, as the injury-plagued squad finally succumbed to Leeds. However, the 2011 season saw the emergence of a new crop of talent, with players such asJonny LomaxandLee Gaskellstepping up to fill the gaps left by senior players and earning rave reviews for their performances.[according to whom?]

In 2012, the club moved into their new home atLangtree Park.However, the season started with a terrible run of results, which culminated in Royce Simmons being sacked in March. With assistant coachKieron Purtillalso leaving, the coachingreinswere taken up by youth coach Mike Rush for the remainder of the 2012 season, with Keiron Cunningham acting as his assistant. Following St Helens's defeat by Wigan in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup, which ended a run of 11 consecutive semi-final appearances, it was announced thatNathan Brownwould be taking over as head coach for 2013, with Rush moving back into his previous role.

At the end of theSuper League XIXregular season, St Helens claimed theLeague Leaders' Shieldand reached the2014 Super League Grand Finalagainst Wigan where they won the match 14–6 claiming their 13th premiership.[197]

In theSuper League XXIIIseason, St Helens claimed theLeague Leader's ShieldandBen Barbawho had joined the club that year won theMan of Steelaward. St Helens were favourites to reach another grand final but were upset in the preliminary final by Warrington 18–13 atLangtree Park.[198]

During theSuper League XXIVseason, St Helens reached theChallenge Cupfinal against Warrington but lost the match 18–4 atWembley Stadium.[199]

At the end of theSuper League XXIVregular season, St Helens won theLeague Leader's Shieldfor a second consecutive year after finished 16 points clear of second placedWigan.[200] St Helens would go on to reach the2019 Super League Grand FinalatOld TraffordagainstSalford.St Helens won the match 23–6 securing their 14th championship.[201]

At the end of the 2020 season, St Helens finished second behind league leaders Wigan. After easily accounting forCatalans Dragonsin the semi-final, St Helens played against Wigan in the2020 Super League Grand Final.With only seconds remaining and with the scores locked at 4-4, St Helens scored a try after the siren through Jack Welsby to win back to back championships in the most dramatic of circumstances.[202]

On 17 July 2021, St. Helens won the Challenge Cup for the first time in 13 years beating Castleford in the final 26–12. St. Helens had trailed the match at half-time 12–6.[203] St Helens finished the2021 Super League seasonin second place on the table.[204]They then went on to defeatCatalan Dragons12–10 in a hotly-contested Grand Final, securing the club's first league and cup double since 2006 and an historic 'three-peat' - becoming only the second team in the summer era to win three consecutive championships.[205]

St Helens ended the2022regular season as League Leaders, thus earning them a bye to the semi-finals. They beatSalford19-12, to reach their 4th consecutive Grand Final. They facedLeedsin theGrand Final,after Leeds beat Catalans in the eliminators, and Wigan in the semi-final. St Helens won the match 24–12, to win their fourth final in a row, and by doing so, they become the first team in Super League history to win four in a row.[206]

Before the start of the 2023 Super League season, St Helens travelled to Australia for the2023 World Club Challenge.A week before the match, St Helens played one pre-season trial fixture againstSt. George Illawarrawhich St Helens won 30–18 atWIN Stadium.[207] In the week leading up to the World Club Challenge game againstPenrith,many pundits, former players and coaches predicted St Helens would lose the match heavily withPhil Gouldstating "Penrith should be allowed to declare at half-time". St Helens would go on to win the World Club Challenge game 13-12 in golden point extra-time to claim their third trophy in the competition. St Helens had led the match 12-0 until a late try by Penrith took the game into extra-time.[208] In the 2023 Super League season, St Helens finished third on the table equal on points with league leaders Wigan and the Catalans Dragons. In the elimination playoff, the club defeated Warrington which set up a match with Catalans at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. St Helens lead the match until the final minute when Catalans player Sam Tomkins scored a try underneath the posts to win the match for Catalans and end St Helens four-year dominance of the competition.[209] St Helens began the 2024 Super League season strongly winning six of their opening seven games. However, injuries in the middle of the season to key players saw results drop. On 26 July 2024, St Helens were defeated by Leigh 46-4 which meant the club had lost five matches in a row for the first time since the Super League era began.[210] St Helens would finish the 2024 Super League season in sixth place on the table, their lowest finish of the Super League era. The club were eliminated in the first week of the playoffs against Warrington. St Helens were not expected to win the game but took Warrington to golden point extra-time whereGeorge Williamswould kick the winning drop goal for Warrington.[211]

Academy

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Main article:St Helens R.F.C. Academy

The St Helens academy has produced some of the finest youngsters, potential stars and internationals the world of rugby league has seen. Although initially, players were signed either from other clubs, or would go straight into first team reckoning after being signed from their amateur club at a much later age than today's system; as the game became more widespread in the town, across the North—West and nationally, a system had to be introduced in order to suffice the amount of youth talent that the club homed. More early examples of players that made the grade following on form their stints in the academy and reserves (previously known as the "St Helens Colts" ) includeSteve Prescott,[212]Paul Forber,[213]Gary Connolly,[214]andChris Arkwright.[215]St Helens' traditional policy with youth was to make them better players for the club. Now, however, it can be argued that Saints look to make them internationals, with no less than five of the current St Helens squad's youth products having gone on to represent either Great Britain or England or both. St Helens youth policy does not operate solely in the borough boundaries of the town. Indeed, many of St Helens current and past squads call areas like Widnes, Wigan, Cumbria and Oldham home. St Helens have, also, branched even into rugby union territory and other wider national areas for youth players; most recently, Daniel Brotherton, a winger fromNorthampton,signed a professional contract with the club, and has made great strides in the under 18s after his signing from Northampton Demons.[216][217]

Women's side

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Main article:St Helens R.F.C. Women

Rivalries

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Wigan Warriors

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St Helens against Wigan in the semi-final play-off eliminator in 2009
Main article:St Helens R.F.C.–Wigan Warriors rivalry

There is a strongrivalrybetween St Helens andWigan;thelocal derbybetween the two clubs has been traditionally regarded as the biggest in Britishrugby league,as well as one of the oldest in world rugby league.[218]Both being founder members of theNorthern Rugby Football Union,the derby has been played since 1895, making it amongst the most historical derbys in both British and global rugby league. Remarkably, the first encounter between the fierce rivals ended in a 0–0 draw atKnowsley Road,[218]The games were traditionally played onBoxing Day,however were moved toGood Friday,during the busy Easter period in rugby league. More recently, the game was even played onMaundy Thursdayin Super League. In all league encounters between the two since 1895, there have been 235 games, with Wigan having won nearly double the number of games that St Helens have. Saints winning 83, drawing 11 and losing 141.[219]All competitive games, i.e. cup and league games combined, show that in the 366 games played, St Helens have won 141, there have been 19 draws and Wigan have won 206. They too have contested no fewer than 6Challenge CupFinals,[71][80][126][127][153][155]and have met in threeSuper League Grand Finals;St Helens winning 29–16 in2000,[152]with Wigan initially gaining revenge in2010,with a 22–10 win,[196]before Saints claimed the 2014 Super League Grand Final by a score of 14–6, taking a 2–1 lead in their Super League Grand Final head-to-heads. Wigan and St Helens have also met in 4PremiershipFinals, Wigan winning 3, St Helens once,[129][130][142][143]3LancashireCounty CupFinals, St Helens winning two, Wigan one,[128][220][221]and oneFloodlit TrophyFinal in 1968, Wigan winning 7–4.[222]The two have traditionally met each other in theMagic Weekendtoo. The two teams have a pretty even record, winning two (atMillennium Stadiumin 2007 and 2008) and losing two (atMurrayfieldin 2009 andEtihad Stadiumin 2012), with one draw (at Millennium Stadium in 2011) in five ties.[223][224][225][226]St Helens greatest winning margin and the highest game score between the two in competitive football was a 75–0 win in a 2005 Challenge Cup round 6 game.[227]Wigan's biggest win was a 65–12 win inSuper League II,1997.[228]

Super League record
Win Draw Loss
26 4 30

[229]

Bradford Bulls

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Saints contested several finals in the modern game withBradford Bulls,following up from their vast successes respectively in previous decades. When known asBradford Northern,Bradford experienced their period of success largely in the 1940s, at a time when St Helens struggled to compete due to the commitments of World War II. In fact, it was only in the 1950s that St Helens won their first Challenge Cup and National League, and at this time, when St Helens were establishing themselves and improving in the 1950s, and 1960s, Bradford were disproving, and in fact folded in 1963. So the contest between the two can be doubted as a historical or traditional one. However, during the modern, Summer era, the game between the two gained prestige. The two contested consecutive Challenge Cup finals in 1996 and 1997,[230][231]and later in 2001,[232]St Helens winning all three. In Super League Grand Finals, St Helens and Bradford met twice, in1999and2002,St Helens again winning all encounters.[233][234]

Super League record
Win Draw Loss
24 1 20

[235]

Leeds Rhinos

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Leedshave arguably the strongest rivalry with St Helens, out of all theYorkshireclubs that have a history with St Helens. They have contested the last three Super League finals,[170][175][179]but the rugby they have produced in recent years is considered amongst the best in Super League. The derby is also sometimes considered a contest in terms of pride between the two counties. Leeds and St Helens have also a historical background, contesting the 1971–72 and 1977–78 Challenge Cup Finals, each team winning one each.[236][237]However, the derby is often noted for its bad behaviour—on and off the field. Especially recently, with incidents like theRyan Bailey"chicken wing" tackle onMaurie Fa'asavaluin 2008, the presence ofJames Grahamwhen the two meet, as well as the numerous fights that have broken out between the two sets of players, the game is certainly regarded as a feisty one, as well as one that produces entertaining rugby. Such activities off the field and between games like fights between supporters, has led to some fans being discouraged from attending the fixture at Knowsley Road; shown by somewhat disappointing crowd figures, such as an example of 11,048 in 2010.[238]

Super League record
Win Draw Loss
24 0 23

[239]

Warrington Wolves

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The other "big"North Westclub in Super League,Warrington,have also built up an anticipated derby contest with St Helens, particularly within Super League. As St Helens are unbeaten at Knowsley Road against the Wire since 1996, as well as boasting a generally impressive record against the Wolves in all meetings in Super League, the game is seen as an opportunity for Warrington to rectify their record against the Saints. In terms of cup and league final meetings; the two have met in two Lancashire Cup finals, St Helens winning once after a replay in 1967,[240]and one Premiership final, St Helens winning in 1977.[241]However, they remarkably have never met in Challenge Cup or Super League Finals. On 26 February 2011, Warrington Wolves beat St. Helens for the first time in 10 years ending the Saints Hoodoo over the club. The fixture was played at the Saints temporary home at Widnes. The Wolves also beat the Saints in the reverse fixture to do the league double for the first time in 17 years. In 2012 the Wolves beat St. Helens in the Grand Final elimination clash at Langtree Park to book the Warrington Wolves a place at the Grand Final.[242]

Super League record
Win Draw Loss
35 2 9

[243]

Associates

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Junior rugby in St Helens

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There is a massive[clarification needed]junior and youth contingent of rugby league players in St Helens. Clubs such asThatto HeathandBlackbrook Royalshave produced many of the former and current superstars in St Helens' squads over the years, and continue to do so.[244]Clubs in the St Helens area also include Bold Miners,Portico Vine,Pilkington Recs,Haydock Warriors, Newton Storm, Eccleston Lions and Haresfinch Hawks which provide players for St Helens through the junior years and the scholarship schemes at the club, before eventually signing professionally at 16. But St Helens' youth roots do not stop in the St Helens area. Indeed, club legendKeiron Cunninghamsigned for the club from Wigan St Judes,[245]and Saints also look to clubs like Wigan St Patricks and Orrell St James in the Wigan area, and Halton Farnworth Hornets in the Widnes area for youth talent. However, a criticism of the St Helens scouting system is that they tend not to look at players beyond the junior ages (6–16 years old), and talented players who continue into amateur rugby tend to be signed very rarely.

Feeder clubs

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Without having strict feeder sides, such as the system that exists in Australasia, St Helens have, in the last 20 years, particularly with the inception of the dual—registration scheme in 2009, built up partnerships withCo-operative Championshipsides likeWidnesandLeigh.[246]St Helens have also been known to loan fringe players to "less strong" Super League sides such asSalfordandCrusadersand previously Widnes. St Helens have also forged links with theCanada Rugby League(CRL) and their teamToronto City Saints,who have adopted the popular piece of St Helens insignia in their crest.[247]Outside of rugby league, St Helens have forged partnerships withBritish Basketball LeaguesideMersey Tigers,[248]andEnglish Premier Ice Hockey LeagueteamManchester Phoenix.[249]

Supporters

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St Helens fans in Perpignan 2016

St Helens are one of the best supported teams in Super League, averaging 11,543 according to 2014 figures.[250]Situated, prior to their recent move to Widnes, inEccleston and Thatto Heath,a lot of support naturally derives from that area. Many strongholds of support also come from the Eastern side of the town; areas likeBlackbrook,Haydock,andParr.However, there exists considerable support towardsNewton,BillingeandAshtonalso. Their support is also not restricted to the town, with bases inLiverpool,Manchester,Birmingham,Northamptonshire,the SouthandNorth Wales.

The club also have their own supporters clubs, one for the club itself which has folded,[251]and one for fans in the South.[252]International, as well as national support is also strong with Saints. A recent survey showed fan bases in Australia, the United States, France, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, the Middle East, Chile and Greece. The club also have something of a fan base forming in the Far East, with fans from Singapore and Japan.[253][254]

[255]

Super League crowd averages

Year Average
1996 10,221[256]
1997 8,826[257]
1998 7,081[258]
1999 8,201[259]
2000 8,880[260]
2001 8,801[261]
2002 9,928[262]
2003 9,819[263]
2004 9,507[264]
2005 10,622[265]
2006 10,721[266]
2007 9,717[267]
2008 10,642[268]
2009 10,985[269]
2010 11,191[270]
2011 7,863[271]
2012 14,221[272]
2013 11,279[273]
2014 11,543[250]
2015 12,364[citation needed]
2016 10,711[274]
2017 10,749[citation needed]
2018 11,478[275]

Notable fans

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Colours and badge

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Colours

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St Helens heritage jersey, first used in 1890, used again in 2010 and at MAGIC WEEKEND 2023

In their rugby football days and early years as a rugby league club, St Helens wore a vertically striped blue and white jersey with blue shorts and socks. In their initial period at Knowsley Road, St Helens wore a similar jersey, but the stripes were horizontal, and the colours were blue and grey. These colours however were dropped in favour of a more traditional to today, red and white design. The jersey had a single broad red horizontal band, on a white background, and was used until 1961.

In the 1961 Challenge Cup final against Wigan, the strip still seen today—the famous red V—was first utilised.[71]In 1981, the club changed colours again, albeit temporarily, whenUmbrodesigned and manufactured aFrench—style jersey of blue, with a white and red V. These colours were donned for two years, before the traditional colours were reverted to.

1985 saw the first jersey that was supported by a visible sponsor—St Helens Glass. Umbro were once again the designers of this varsity blue jersey with a royal blue vee—shaped chevron, a kit similar to the away kit of 2008. This was also the first jersey to feature the famous stickman of St Helens insignia. The 1985 New Zealand tour jersey was similar to the home shirt of 2009, sponsored also byPilkington.

Between 1991 and 1994, a somewhat controversial and odd[according to whom?]design of jersey was employed, where the chevron that St Helens had now adopted in place of the traditional V finished three—quarters of the way down the shirt. Umbro remained the club's kit suppliers until 1994, when Stag took over. Their jerseys were far more lightweight than what they had replaced, and they chose to revert to a more conventional fashion of red V in their designs. The kit used first by the club was reverted to during their centenary year in 1995.

In 1997, yet another change of design that was controversial[according to whom?]with the fans, a kit that featured a white drop—down V with a black and red mesh design at the bottom of the jersey. This wasMizuno's first design, taking over from Stag. The traditional red V was once more reverted to, after the controversial design, with a more circular design used for the1999 season.In 2000, a more regular V was seen again. In 2003, a triple—V design was seen, and the first to be used by long—serving kit designersPuma AG.2004 saw a double curvy red V used, before, in 2005, yet again tradition was reverted to in the design and this design was used until 2009. The away strip used in 2005 was the famous blue strip with a dark blue V. 2009 saw the long red V of 1985's design appear again, before, in 2010, a casual thin red V was seen.

In 2010, the club used the first kit they played a rugby league game design as a commemorative strip, to celebrate their 110th and final year at the ground.[285]2011 saw the Puma contract expire, and Australian manufacturing giantsISCtake over the making of the jerseys.[286]This strip saw a somewhat shorter red vee, compared to the ventures of the design in 2009 and '10.[287]

Badge

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The club's jerseys were initially adorned by the town's coat of arms. This was utilised until 1985. However, as Saints became a more national institution, they decided that a more recognisable badge needed to be adopted. The 1985 season therefore saw the famous stickman of St Helens first used. This was used as the main jersey emblem until 1991, when the St Helens sports club emblem, not dissimilar to the coat of arms used previously, was seen. This was used until 1996, when, with the implement of Super League into the British rugby league calendar, Saints chose to display a badge that featured an overlapping "S" and "H" in red, with the club's name around the border. This was used until 2010,[285]when the club decided to unofficially rebrand to "Saints RL", to coincide with them leaving Knowsley Road, and going "on the road" to Widnes for a season. The new crest was in the shape of a shield, and featured the over lapping "S" and "H" that the previous logo featured, but also displayed a red vee within the design, and "Saints RL" in upper case lettering at the top of the shield. This new crest drew criticism from large sections of the St Helens faithful, who were afraid of the club losing its connection to the town to attract a wider fan base.[288]

Kit manufacturers and sponsors

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Since 2015 St Helens' kit has been supplied byO'Neills.[289]Previous suppliers includeUmbro(1986–94), Stag (1995–96),Mizuno Corporation(1997–99), Y2K (2000), Exito (2001–02),Puma(2003–10), andISC(2011–14).

Their current main shirt sponsor isHome Bargains.[290]Previous main sponsors have included St Helens Glass (1986–87, 2000–01),McEwan's Lager(1987–98),John Smith's(1999), Caledonia (2002), Comodo (2003), All Sports (2004–05), Earth money (2006–07),PilkingtonActiv (2008–09), Frontline (2010), Medicash (2011),Typhoo(2012 - 2016), RCMA Group (2017), andCash Converters[291](2018 - 2021). St. Helens were also sponsored byGillette[292]for a one-off appearance at the 2004Dubai Rugby 7sinvitational.[293]

See Below:

Year Sponsor Manufacturer
1986 St Helens Glass Umbro
1987
1988 McEwan's Lager
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995 Stag
1996
1997 Mizuno
1998
1999 John Smith's
2000 St Helens Glass Y2K
2001 Excito
2002 Caledonia
2003 Comodo Puma
2004 All:Sports
2005
2006 Earth Money
2007
2008 Pilkington Activ
2009
2010 Frontline
2011 Medicash ISC
2012 Typhoo
2013
2014
2015 O'Neills
2016
2017 RCMA Group
2018 Cash Converters
2019
2020
2021
2022 Home Bargains
2023
2024

Mascots

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Boots before theWiganderby in2009

During theSuper Leagueera, the participating teams have adopted mascots and nicknames usually in alliteration with the name of their home town. Initially, the St Helens mascots were Bernard and Bernadette,St Bernard dogs;depicting something of a married couple with their on-field humorous antics. However, in 2009, the mascots changed to Boots and Bernard; happy and angry masculine characters. Bernard doesn't appear as often as Boots, with Boots being a more child-friendly image for the club, while Bernard retains the 'seriousness' of the mascots role to the club.[294]

Stadiums

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Further information:Knowsley RoadandTotally Wicked Stadium
Knowsley Roadfrom the Away End view

St Helens' former stadium wasKnowsley Road,renamed in 2008 to the GPW Recruitment Stadium for sponsorship reasons.[2]Prior to this, in particular when St Helens were playing simply rugby football, they shared the City Ground withSt Helens Recs.They left this stadium in 1890 for Knowsley Road and played there for 120 years. The ground at the time of its construction was considered modern, with one seated stand, and three standing areas that could, prior to strict safety regulations set in place, hold up to 40,000 people, shown by their record home crowd of 35,695 against Wigan in 1949.[1]In their first match at the new ground, St Helens beat Manchester Rangers, played under rugby football rules. After the great schism of 1895, and St Helens joining the NRFU, their first game at Knowsley Road under traditional rugby league rules was against Rochdale, in front of 3,000 spectators.[6]Over the years, however, age took its toll on the ground. Despite the big names like Meninga, van Vollenhoven, Lyon etc. coming to the club, it was constantly argued that, unlike other big clubs, St Helens did not have the stadium to suit their on—field talent. In 2006, the ground was treated to something of a makeover, after financial input from St Helens big money sponsors Earth Money. This aided the ground in gaining international rugby, with a fixture betweenGreat BritainandNew Zealandbeing held there in 2006. However, in 2008, St Helens were given a warning letter from the RFL, as a result of the ensuing licensing system that was to be introduced into Super League in 2009, stating that the quality of their current stadium was too poor for the expected quality of a licence in the league.[295]Thankfully for Saints, they were permitted by the council to begin construction on anew ground,and confirmed that they would move away from Knowsley Road in 2011.[296]It was announced that the new complex, to be built on an unused glass site in Peasley Cross, was to feature at least 12,000 seats, a large car park, and aTescostore next to the ground. In addition to this, an iconic bridge, directly linking the ground to the town centre went under construction on 9 August 2010.[297]Whether the stadium would be ready for the beginning of the2011 seasonwas always uncertain, and grounds such asLeigh Sports Villagewere suggested to home Saints for the period between. However, theHalton Stadium,Widneswas the chosen venue for Saints for the 2011 season, and they will play all of their home games there before permanently relocating in 2012.[298]Saints currently play at theTotally Wicked Stadium.

2025 squad

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2025 St Helens Squad
First team squad Coaching staff
  • 27George Whitby–HB
  • 28Will Roberts–SO,HB
  • 29Dayon Sambou–WG,CE
  • 30Owen Dagnall–CE,WG
  • 31Leon Cowen–LF
  • 32Ciaran Nolan–HK
  • 33Alfie Sinclair–PR
  • 34Jake Davies–SR
  • 35Cole Marsh–LF,HK

Head coach

Assistant coaches

Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)

Updated: 19 November 2024
Source(s):[1]



2025 transfers

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Transfers In

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Player From Contract Date
Tristan Sailor Brisbane Broncos 2 Years August 2024
Kyle Feldt North Queensland Cowboys 2 Years August 2024
Lewis Murphy Sydney Roosters 2 Years September 2024
Coach From Contract Date
Lee Briers Brisbane Broncos 2 Years September 2024
Eamon O'Carroll Bradford Bulls November 2024

Transfers Out

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Player To Contract Date
Lewis Dodd South Sydney Rabbitohs 3 Years May 2024
Tommy Makinson Catalans Dragons 2 Years June 2024
Sam Royle October 2024
Waqa Blake Bradford Bulls 2 Years November 2024
Ben Lane October 2024
McKenzie Buckley Widnes Vikings 1 Year November 2024
Coach To Contract Date
Matty Smith October 2024

Players Retired

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Player Date
Sione Mata’utia 11 September 2024[300]

Players

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See also:List of St Helens R.F.C. players

Notable former players

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Francis Meliplaying forSamoawhilst at St Helens

For all St Helens players with a Wikipedia article seeList of St Helens RLFC past players. For all players who have gained international caps whilst playing for the club seeList of St Helens RLFC international players.

Best ever 17

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Throughout 2010, a select panel of fans, journalists, former players and club officials voted for the best 17 players ever to have played for St Helens, to commemorate the club's 120th and final year at Knowsley Road.[301]

No. Position Player

1Kel Coslett–FB 2Tom van Vollenhoven–WG 3Doug Greenall–CE 4Paul Newlove–CE 5Darren Albert–WG 6Les Fairclough–SO 7Alex Murphy–SH 8Alan Prescott–PR 9Keiron Cunningham–HK 10Cliff Watson–PR 11Dick Huddart–SR 12Chris Joynt–SR 13Vince Karalius–LF 14Sean Long–SH 15George Nicholls–LF 16Paul Sculthorpe–LF 17Paul Wellens–FB

Players receiving testimonial matches

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18 players have had benefit years or testimonials at St Helens, organised jointly by the club and the RFL. They honour ten years at the club, and the most recent player to receive one wasfullbackPaul Wellensfor 2010.[302]

Coaches and Board

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Technical staff

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Name Job title
Paul Wellens Head coach
Laurent Frayssinous Assistant head coach
Ian Talbot Assistant head coach
Matt Daniels Head of Strength and Conditioning
Adam Daniels Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
Nathan Mill Rehab & Monitoring Co-Ordinator
Adam Rowland Assistant physio
Derek Traynor ASSE Manager & Under 19's Coach
Ian Harris Training Steward
Sam Evans First Team Kit Man
Neil Kilshaw Player Performance Manager
Paul Johnson Club Chaplain
Derek Jones Masseur
Kel Coslett Gameday Manager
Simon Perritt Club doctor
Steve Leonard RL Development Manager
Derek Hardman Reserves Head Coach
Liam Bostock Reserves Assistant Coach
James Roby Leadership, Culture and Performance Coach

[303]

Boardroom staff

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Name Job title
Eamonn McManus Chairman
Mike Rush Chief Executive Officer
Paul Sculthorpe Business Development Manager
Steve Law Merchandising Manager
Tom Maguire Head of Media & Content
Mark Onion Head of Marketing
Dave Hutchinson General Manager

[304]

List of former head coaches

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Main article:List of St Helens R.F.C. coaches

Since the end of World War II, St Helens have seen 27 new bosses at the helm at Knowsley Road. Currently, the position is held by Paul Wellens

Seasons

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Main article:List of St Helens R.F.C. seasons

Honours

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Leagues

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Winners (17):1931–32, 1952–53, 1958–59, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1974–75, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
League Leaders' Shield
Winners (9):2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2022
Premiership
Winners (4):1975–76, 1976–77, 1984–85, 1992–93
Winners (9):1929–30, 1931–32, 1952–53, 1959–60, 1964–65, 1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69
  • Western Division Championship
Winners (1):1963–64

Cups

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Winners (13):1955–56, 1960–61, 1965–66, 1971–72, 1975–76, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2021
Winners (1):1987–88
Winners (1):1992–93
Winners (2):1971–72, 1975–76
Winners (11):1926–27, 1953–54, 1960–61, 1961–62, 1962–63, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1984–85, 1991–92

International

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Winners (3):2001, 2007, 2023

Records

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Main article:List of St Helens R.F.C. statistics and records

Hall of Fame

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Further information:St Helens R.F.C. Hall of Fame

Player records

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Match records

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Season records

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Career records

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Team records

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Points margins

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Attendances

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See also

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Bibliography

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  • Service, Alex (June 2000).St Helens Rugby League.NPI Media Group.ISBN978-0-7524-1883-4.
  • St Helens Heritage Society and Service, Alex (September 2006).St Helens RLFC:100 Great Players.NPI Media Group.ISBN0-7524-4079-9.
  • Quirke and McCarthy, Andrew and Stephen (August 2001).Knowsley Road: Memories of St. Helens Rugby League Football Club.London League Publications Ltd.ISBN1-903659-04-3.

References

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  1. ^abcd"St Helens RLFC club Records".Saints Heritage Society. 24 June 2009.Retrieved24 June2009.
  2. ^ab"St Helens RLFC Club Profile".superleague.co.uk. 15 July 2009. Archived fromthe originalon 21 September 2010.Retrieved14 July2009.
  3. ^ab"The Great Schism".RugbyFootballHistory.com. 20 August 1895.Retrieved24 December2009.
  4. ^ab"St Helens RLFC Club History".saintsrlfc.com. 29 August 1873. Archived fromthe originalon 22 July 2009.Retrieved14 July2009.
  5. ^"St Helens First Match".Saints Heritage Society. 31 January 1874.Retrieved14 July2009.
  6. ^ab"Saints' first match in Northern Union".Saints Heritage Society. 7 July 1895.Retrieved12 July2009.
  7. ^abcdefgh"Challenge Cup Role of Honour".BBC. 26 August 2006.Retrieved11 July2009.
  8. ^"1897 Challenge Cup Final".BBC. 26 August 1897.Retrieved11 July2009.
  9. ^Hoole, Les (8 August 1998).The Rugby League Challenge Cup.Breedon Books Ltd.ISBN1-85983-094-3.().
  10. ^"1897/1898 Lancashire League Table".Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1898.Retrieved1 August2010.
  11. ^"1898/1899 Lancashire League Table".Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1899.Retrieved1 August2010.
  12. ^"1899/1900 Lancashire League Table".Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1900.Retrieved1 August2010.
  13. ^"1900/1901 Lancashire League Table".Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1901.Retrieved1 August2010.
  14. ^"1901/1902 Lancashire League Table".Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1902.Retrieved1 August2010.
  15. ^"1902/1903 Division 1 League Table".Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1903.Retrieved12 July2009.
  16. ^"1903/1904 Division 2 League Table".Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1904.Retrieved12 July2009.
  17. ^"1904/1905 Division 1 League Table".Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1905.Retrieved12 July2009.
  18. ^"1905/1906 Northern Football Union League Table".Saints Heritage Society. 24 April 1906.Retrieved12 July2009.
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