ST HELENS finished fifth on last year’s Super League ladder and their season once more ended trophyless under head coach Paul Wellens.
As such, Wellens’ contract was not renewed and former Salford boss Paul Rowley has been brought in as the new number one.
It’s a brave move for both parties: Saints need to win a trophy in 2026 following a barren run whilst Rowley is perhaps not used to the limelight he will get at his new club.
NRL heavyweights Jacob Host and David Klemmer will bolster the Saints pack as will Super League pair Joe Shorrocks and Shane Wright.
The addition of Nene Macdonald will also add firepower out wide whilst Jackson Hastings knows the competition inside out.
That relationship between Hastings and Rowley from their time at Salford together could be vital for Saints in their quest for improvement in 2026, but it also means that the new boss will have to factor in other half-back choices of Tristan Sailor, Jonny Lomax, Jack Welsby and George Whitby.
The lack of a settled spine disrupted Saints heavily last season and Rowley needs to crack his winning formula early on.
One to watch
It will be interesting to witness Jackson Hastings back in Super League following his spell in the UK four years ago.
After helping Salford and Wigan to Grand Finals in back-to-back years, it’s fair to say that the 30-year-old’s time in the NRL since then with West Tigers and Newcastle Knights hasn’t gone to plan.
Now, back in the competition where he made his name, a one-year deal should bring the best out of Hastings.
Talking tactics with Jodie Cunningham
Saints’ defence was strong throughout last year, however narrowing down the strongest spine combinations appeared to be Saints’ biggest issue at times, leading to a somewhat blunted attack.
New coach Paul Rowley is known for his attacking flair and getting the best out of his players, so having the choice of Jack Welsby, Tristan Sailor, George Whitby, Jackson Hastings and Jonny Lomax for his one, six and seven will provide many opportunities for him to repeat that at Saints. Firming up which combination is best early on in the season however will be top priority.
Expect Saints to play early in the tackle count and deep in their own half to produce attacking opportunities from all areas of the field.
Potential milestones
Deon Cross needs 3 appearances for 200 in his career
Kyle Feldt needs 12 appearances for 250 in his career
Jonny Lomax needs 7 appearances for 400 in his career
Squad: 1 Jack Welsby, 2 Kyle Feldt, 3 Harry Robertson, 4 Mark Percival, 5 Deon Cross, 6 Tristan Sailor, 7 Jonny Lomax, 8 Alex Walmsley, 9 Daryl Clark, 10 Matty Lees, 11 Curtis Sironen, 12 Shane Wright, 13 David Klemmer, 14 Jacob Host, 15 George Delaney, 16 Matt Whitley, 17 George Whitby, 18 Jake Wingfield, 19 Agnatius Paasi, 20 Lewis Murphy, 21 Noah Stephens, 22 Joe Shorrocks, 23 Jake Burns, 24 Owen Dagnall, 25 Nene Macdonald, 26 Jacob Douglas, 27 Leon Cowen, 28 Jake Davies, 29 Alfie Sinclair, 31 Jackson Hastings
Ins: Shane Wright (Salford), Jacob Host (South Sydney), David Klemmer (St George Illawarra), Jacob Douglas (Wigan), Joe Shorrocks (Salford), Jackson Hastings (Newcastle K), Nene Macdonald (Salford)
Outs: Morgan Knowles (Dolphins), Moses Mbye (Ipswich), Tee Ritson (Barrow), Dayon Sambou (Wigan), Jonny Vaughan (Wigan), Joe Batchelor (Hull FC), James Bell (Hull FC), Konrad Hurrell (Lézignan), Jon Bennison (York), Ciaran Nolan (released), Will Roberts (York), Leon Cowen (Halifax, loan)
RLW predicts: 4th
First published in Rugby League World magazine, Issue 517 (February 2026)