PAUL WELLENS is being linked with a move to the NRL following his exit from St Helens.

According to The Mole at the Wide World of Sports, Wellens is being eyed by North Queensland Cowboys head coach Todd Payten to join his ranks as an assistant.

Wellens led Saints to a shock win over Penrith Panthers in the 2023 World Club Challenge, his first game as club coach, and steered them to a play-off semi-final last season.

However, the 45-year-old’s contract was not renewed at the end of the campaign, with Saints opting to appoint former Salford Red Devils boss Paul Rowley.