St Helens have issued the following statement, with club captain Paul Wellens and CEO Mike Rush reacting to their League Leaders Shield triumph.
Rush said: “The Shield is the culmination of a season where Nathan Brown, his coaching staff and all the players have worked hard often in times of adversity. They came together as a team and deserve all the congratulations that come their way.
“The Academy staff deserve equal thanks too after preparing several players for their first team debuts as well as reaching the semi finals of their playoffs.
“I’d like to thank the Board of Directors and Eamonn McManus for their unwavering backing in not only supporting our fantastic youth development system but also for funding transfers in a difficult market that has seen us secure British based and overseas talent.
“The staff behind the scenes should also be praised. They work long hours and do a lot of things that go un-noticed but are as equally as vital as what goes on on the pitch.
“Finally, I’d like to personally thank the fans who have supported us through thick and thin this year.
“At times it has been difficult but your support has been superb. This was none more so evident than on Friday when, under pressure and a man down, you roared the team to an almost famous win.”
Wellens said: “We are obviously delighted to secure the league leaders shield despite winning it in unfamiliar circumstances.
“It’s great reward for our group of players, a lot of whom haven’t had the experience of winning a trophy and we hope it can be the catalyst for many more moving forward.
“I would personally like to thank our fantastic supporters who’ve been right behind us throughout the year, and that great support was no more evident than at Huddersfield on Friday.
“We’ve now turned our attention to the play offs and look forward to the challenges ahead whilst knowing we can rely on our fans to get behind us on the way.
“Come on you Saints.”
