PAUL ROWLEY is confident he’s got the personnel at St Helens to execute his distinctive brand of rugby.
Saints have begun preparations for the new campaign and first under Rowley, who replaced Paul Wellens as head coach in October.
A two-time Championship winner with Leigh Centurions and League One champion leading Toronto Wolfpack, Rowley gained greater prominence during four seasons in charge of Salford Red Devils.
While he helmed a sinking ship amid serious financial struggles this year, Salford overachieved previously with two Super League play-off finishes achieved through an exciting style of attacking play.
Rowley has been recruited to bring similar adventure to Saints, and says their players have been receptive so far.
“For over a decade now, the benchmark of defence has been St Helens,” he told club members at a recent event.
“It’s been their DNA, and it’s a brilliant place to start. I’ve come to this club wanting to embrace that while adding a bit of my DNA to the offense, which I think is what everybody has been asking for.
“My point of difference has been transition attack, attacking from deep. I feel like we’ve got the personnel with people like Tristan (Sailor), Jack Welsby, and some exciting young players like (Owen) Dagnall and Harry (Robertson) who want to play that sort of rugby.
“The appetite to change has been evident in my initial interaction with the players.”
He added: “One thing I’ve always tried to do is coach to win, not coach to not lose, if that makes sense.
“We’ve got to be brave and got to be bold, but to do that your perception of risk has to change.
“That will change by practicing good skill, and that’s what we’ve been doing.
“I think that’s a reflection of my personality. I back myself to have a crack.”
Image: Bernard Platt