Ashworth set for Saints debut

Rochdale based back rower Jack Ashworth is set to make his St Helens debut on Friday evening against Batley Bulldogs, just 12 months after signing for Saints from Rochdale Hornets.
Ashworth was brought to the attention of St Helens academy staff following pre-season training with Rochdale last season and hasn’t looked back since, playing with the academy and training with the first team squad.
When Rochdale dual registered with Saints at the beginning of last season, Ashworth was looking to earn a contract with Hornets but was quickly snapped up and has thrived in the Saints academy set up.
Now Ashworth has been included in Nathan Brown’s first team squad for Friday’s friendly against Batley, and could also be in line to feature for Saints the following week when they travel to Spotland to take on Hornets on Sunday 2nd February.
Hornets Head Coach Ian Talbot commented, “Everyone at Hornets is wishing Jack well. He is doing really well and looking very strong. If he carries on the way he is going he will be playing Super League in no time. He is a smashing kid who works hard and deserves his call up to the first team. It would be great to see him run out at Spotland, either for Saints on 2nd February or with us on dual reg over the next season.”