FORMER St Helens boss Paul Wellens is a notable omission from a new-look performance staff at North Queensland Cowboys.
Wellens joined the Cowboys as assistant to Todd Payten ahead of the 2026 NRL campaign following three years as head coach of Saints.
However, the club made no mention of the former Great Britain and England international as they confirmed their performance staff for the 2027 campaign.
Former Wigan Warriors half-back Blake Green will remain as an assistant to Payten alongside Steve Sheppard and Jordan McClean, who will be joined by Mitchell Dunn following his promotion from Elite Pathways head coach.
“The club is excited about the construction of our Football Department for 2027, in particular our new-look High Performance Unit,” said Cowboys Football Club CEO Micheal Luck.
“We have brought in new people with new ideas, who have come from diverse backgrounds and bring different perspectives to an area that is a critical piece of all high-performing programs.
“We consider ourselves a development club, that includes staff, which is why we are pleased to finalise Mitch Dunn’s promotion to the NRL coaching staff after a terrific apprenticeship with our pathways programs following his playing retirement.
“We are eager to see Todd and his staff hit the ground running when our first crop of players return for the start of pre-season next week.”
Wellens has been linked with a move to the Dolphins where another former St Helens head coach – Kristian Woolf – currently resides.
