Currently, the position is held by Kristian Woolf. [219] The two have traditionally met each other in the Magic Weekend too. [203] Konrad Hurrell will wear the number 23, previously worn by other overseas stars in the recent era such as Ben Barba and Lachlan Coote. However, the 2011 season saw the emergence of a new crop of talent, with players such as Jonny Lomax and Lee Gaskell stepping up to fill the gaps left by senior players and earning rave reviews for their performances. FORMER Warrington Wolves and St Helens prop Nick Fozzard is one of 378 players taking legal action against their respective sports' governing bodies. St Helens have, also, branched even into rugby union territory and other wider national areas for youth players; most recently, Daniel Brotherton, a winger from Northampton, signed a professional contract with the club, and has made great strides in the under 18s after his signing from Northampton Demons. "The best thing about him is he is the most humble and pleasant bloke you wish to meet. England v France: Welsby says England can end Australia dominance [123] Nothing was achieved in the next two seasons,[124][125] including a defeat in the 1989 Challenge Cup Final[126] and Murphy stood down as coach. Criticisms from club legends like Paul Sculthorpe and Sean Long regarding his personal skills with the fans,[180] as well as the continued fan rejection saw him let his contract run out and, initially, seek a job in the NRL,[181][182][183] but eventually, and perhaps surprisingly, join Bradford on a twoyear contract. After retiring from professional rugby in 2015, Wellens has been involved with the St Helens coaching staff and has said it has only made him appreciate Roby more as a leader. This was used as the main jersey emblem until 1991, when the St Helens sports club emblem, not dissimilar to the coat of arms used previously, was seen. Rugby League; Rugby Union; Snooker; Swimming; Tennis; . In their initial period at Knowsley Road, St Helens wore a similar jersey, but the stripes were horizontal, and the colours were blue and grey. [224] Wigan's biggest win was a 6512 win in Super League II, 1997. He was replaced by Cliff Evans. Academy graduates, Jon Bennison (27), Lewis Baxter (28) Jumah Sambou (30), and Taylor Pemberton (31) along with new signing Danny Hill (29) round out the squad numbers. Simmons was the chosen man for the job, as announced on 22 July 2010. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for ENGLAND 3rd TEST TEAM PHOTO & ST HELENS RUGBY LEAGUE REVIEW VOL:3 NO:34 1949 at the best online prices at eBay! [179] A trophyless year for the first time since 2003 was another catalyst to Potter's critics abusing and slating his appointment, with even rumours of rifts within the changing rooms. St.Helens R.F.C. Dave Chisnall (rugby league) - Wikipedia Home Kit ; Away Kit ; TRAINING. With five Grand Finals, four Challenge Cups, five Super League Dream Team appearances and one Harry Sunderland Trophy, the youngest ever Man of Steel winner is one of the most decorated players of the Super League era and as he enters into his 500th appearance for St Helens against Leeds Rhinos on Friday, it is a testament to his character that he has been so consistently at the top of his game for so long. In 2012 the Wolves beat St. Helens in the Grand Final elimination clash at Langtree Park to book the Warrington Wolves a place at the Grand Final.[239]. Celebration: James Roby lifts the Challenge Cup trophy for St. Helens in 2021, on the club's first win at Wembley since 2008. "I have never come across a player as mentally resilient as he is and when you combine that with his undoubtable ability, it becomes clear how he is undeniably one of the game's greats.". [53], The club's fortunes that had seen them be successful so rarely the decade previous did not change in the 1940s. is a professional rugby league club in St Helens, Merseyside who compete in the Super League, the top tier for rugby league in Great Britain. The match was contested between St Helens and the Leeds Rhinos, for a record fifth time at Old Trafford . Keiron Cunningham. They also achieved first place again in the 2008 Super League seasonfor the fourth year running[173]winning the League Leaders Shield, and beat Leeds 3810 for the right to go to Old Trafford to contest the Grand Final. ', James Roby hits 500 games for St Helens: 'He is undeniably one of the games greats', Savelio proud to be Hull FC's running man. The club reverted to this kit for one season during the rugby league centenary season in 1995. Huddersfield Giants 12 St Helens 14. Now, however, it can be argued that Saints look to make them internationals, with no less than five of the current St Helens squad's youth products having gone on to represent either Great Britain or England or both. St Helens were favourites to reach another grand final but were upset in the preliminary final by Warrington 1813 at Langtree Park. [193] Defeating Huddersfield Giants in the qualifying semifinal in the 2010 play-off series by 4222 not only saw Saints qualify for their fifth Grand Final in five years, but also saw the final ever game to be played at Knowsley Road. The full-back says Saints' win over the Penrith . St Helens R.F.C. As the club awaited completion of the new stadium, all home fixtures in 2011 were played at the Halton Stadium in Widnes, effectively meaning St Helens were forced to play an entire season of away fixtures. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. The praise for Roby isn't just limited to those who have played with him at club level, with former Wigan captain and Roby's England team-mate, Sean O'Loughlin, describing his playing style as "flawless". "He has a no-nonsense approach to the game and just gets done what needs to be done. [9], Between 1897 and 1901, St Helens were not successful, even generally considered a midtable side. [213][214], There is a strong rivalry between St Helens and Wigan; the local derby between the two clubs has been traditionally regarded as the biggest in British rugby league, as well as one of the oldest in world rugby league. [105] The club won the Premiership in 1977,[106] but, on 13 December 1977, Saints lost 2611 to Hull Kingston Rovers in the final of the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy. All Matches. The 1985 season therefore saw the famous stickman of St Helens first used. However, as Saints became a more national institution, they decided that a more recognisable badge needed to be adopted. 2022 Super League Grand Final - Wikipedia Please note that the numbers below are based on data contained in the RLP database, and may not be accurate. "I have had the pleasure of being at Robes's side for the past 20 years since he first came into the St Helens first-team environment," said Wellens. [283] 2011 saw the Puma contract expire, and Australian manufacturing giants ISC take over the making of the jerseys. Since then, more than 1,200 players have appeared for the club's first team. St. Helens were also sponsored by Gillette[290] for a one-off appearance at the 2004 Dubai Rugby 7s invitational. Making 60 tackles per game has become business as usual for Roby, and it is something that the ex-St Helens coach remembers with fondness. [7][42] They won their first ever National Championship in the 193132 season,[43] defeating Huddersfield 95 in the final. [115] Nothing was won in the 198384 season,[116] but Saints won back the Lancashire Cup, with a 2618 win at Wigan in the 198485 season. The Recs were based individually at the City Road ground, after previously sharing with St Helens, before their move to Knowsley Road, when neither played rugby league. The club moved from the City Ground in 1890 where they had shared with St Helens Recs when neither were members of the Northern Rugby Football Union. [104] In the same year, St Helens lost to Eastern Suburbs in an unofficial World Club Challenge Final by 25 points to 2. His personality and relationship with the fans was an additional reason why St Helens fans were disgruntled in him leaving after four years in charge and why next boss Mick Potter faced a fair amount of criticism in his initial period as boss. "Former Saints, Widnes and Leigh hooker Eric Hughes has died", "Agnatius Paasi: Tonga prop signs two-year St Helens deal", BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year Award, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_St_Helens_R.F.C._players&oldid=1134940357, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Drafted in for one game when the first team went on strike, Drafted in when Saints 1st team went on strike, The first black player for England RU, and later for St Helens, This page was last edited on 21 January 2023, at 16:41. [15] Promotion was gained at the first attempt,[16] only for another poor year to see them finish once again in a relegation position. "What he has done is unprecedented and to play 500 games for St. Helens with such consistency and durability, I tip my hat to him.". THAT. LET. St Helens youth policy does not operate solely in the borough boundaries of the town. Close player. However, the Halton Stadium, Widnes was the chosen venue for Saints for the 2011 season, and they will play all of their home games there before permanently relocating in 2012. Formed in 1873, St Helens are one of the 22 original members of the Northern Rugby Football Union founded in 1895. 28 Apr 2023 08:13:43 . [96] The club reached the Championship final in that season, but were beaten. NEW ARRIVALS; 2023 KIT. [4] They defeated Manchester Rangers in the first match played at Knowsley Road. [134][135] The lack of trophies in the St Helens cabinet, after the club had suddenly become so accustomed to success, would need to change in the "new" brand Super League that formed in 1996; hence Hughes' departure in 1996 and replacement with Australian Shaun McRae.[61]. For the English rugby union team, see, Millward's reign and a controversial sacking (20002005), St Helens 2007 World Club Championship winning team. St Helens defeated Bradford 86 in the 1999 Super League Grand Final, their first Grand Final, with more than 50,000 people witnessing Chris Joynt lift the trophy at Old Trafford. [61][114] Not in-keeping with several of his predecessors, Benyon did not enjoy any success in his first season as St Helens coach, losing the Lancashire Cup final of that year to Warrington. On 26 February 2011, Warrington Wolves beat St. Helens for the first time in 10 years ending the Saints Hoodoo over the club. St Helens would go on to win the World Club Challenge game 13-12 in golden point extra-time to claim their third trophy in the competition. Women's team squad profiles. [21][22][23][24][25], On 14 June 1913, St Helens Recs joined the Northern Union after defecting from rugby union and association football. cup and league games combined, show that in the 366 games played, St Helens have won 141, there have been 19 draws and Wigan have won 206. St Helens play their home games at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens, having moved from their previous home, Knowsley Road, in 2012. In both sides first year in coexistence, St Helens finished yet again in a disappointing low midtable finish. "The club's recent success has been based on hard work, a selfless attitude and an accountability to reflect on performances both positive and negative. So the contest between the two can be doubted as a historical or traditional one. During his tenure the club won one league title (1996),[139] a year in which he was named Super League's coach of the year, and enjoyed backtoback successes over Bradford in the Challenge Cup (1996[140] and 1997[141]). The arrival of Alex Murphy as coach in 1986[61][120] produced some colourful displays from a team that was widely regarded as an entertaining team to watch, but seemed to be constant runners-up. James Roby will wear his . St. Helens had trailed the match at half-time 126. [204] They then went on to defeat Catalan Dragons 1210 in a hotly-contested Grand Final, securing the club's first league and cup double since 2006 and an historic 'three-peat' - becoming only the second team in the summer era to win three consecutive championships. [147] They also won the Challenge Cup in 2001; 136 over Bradford,[148] with the final held at Twickenham Stadium for the first time,[149] and the 2001 World Club Challenge, earning a 2018 win over the Broncos. The kit used first by the club was reverted to during their centenary year in 1995. [61] In Ashton's first season in charge, St Helens won the Championship,[100] and contested the inaugural Premiership Final, losing 2611 to Leeds. Kel Coslett has made the most career appearances for St Helens, having . Wellens said: "Since retiring, I have had the pleasure of being on the coaching staff as he has taken over the captaincy and led the club through one of its most successful ever periods. He is widely regarded not only as one of the greatest St. Helens players of all time, but also as one of the best rugby league players of the Super League era. statistics and records, List of St Helens R.F.C. Jim Challinor took over from Cliff Evans in 1970, and in his first season, he won the Championship,[89][90] and reached two finals, the Lancashire Cup and Floodlit Trophy, losing both. [247] Situated, prior to their recent move to Widnes, in Eccleston and Thatto Heath, a lot of support naturally derives from that area. They too have contested no fewer than 6 Challenge Cup Finals,[71][80][126][127][153][155] and have met in three Super League Grand Finals; St Helens winning 2916 in 2000,[152] with Wigan initially gaining revenge in 2010, with a 2210 win,[196] before Saints claimed the 2014 Super League Grand Final by a score of 146, taking a 21 lead in their Super League Grand Final head-to-heads. This aided the ground in gaining international rugby, with a fixture between Great Britain and New Zealand being held there in 2006. In addition, they suffered upheaval in terms of the playing squad; having already lost the influential Cunningham to retirement and other club legends like Sean Long, the start of the season was overshadowed by the news that Kyle Eastmond, who had been earmarked as Long's replacement, and inspirational leader James Graham were both looking to leave the club. FT. HT 6-12. The success of the Saints in Super League began under the leadership of Shaun McRae in 1996. "All these qualities are why James Roby is the most reliable player I have ever coached. James Roby hits 500 games for St Helens: 'He is undeniably one of the St Helens finished the 2021 Super League season in second place on the table. is a professional rugby league club in St Helens, Merseyside who compete in the Super League, the top tier for rugby league in Great Britain. This was utilised until 1985. Truth Talking Maverick on Twitter: "Just a reminder.. St Helens are the [10][11][12] They finished second to bottom in the 190001 Lancashire League season, meaning they did not qualify to compete in the national league the year later. In the shortened 19181919 season, St Helens played only nine times. Jodie Cunningham: 'Rugby league has made my life better a million times [109] The 197980 season was unsuccessful, with St Helens finishing midtable. Jake Wingfield (19), Josh Simm (21), Ben Davies (22), Dan Norman (24), Matty Foster (25) and Sam Royle (26) all move up in number from the 2021 season. To understand Roby's longevity, you have to first understand the breakthrough he made as a youngster, which no one understands more than his former team-mate and current assistant coach of St Helens and England, Paul Wellens. The RFL, as well as the RFU, have had a. [97] No success was achieved in seasons 197273 and 197374, with St Helens finishing third and second in the respective years. A League[79] and Cup[7][80] double was achieved under Coan in the 196566 season, whilst they lost the Floodlit Trophy final against Castleford. In 2003, a tripleV design was seen, and the first to be used by longserving kit designers Puma AG. In 2010, the club used the first kit they played a rugby league game design as a commemorative strip, to celebrate their 110th and final year at the ground. "I love lining up behind him as we walk onto the pitch and seeing his name in front of me. [129] In 1993 the club avenged their defeat by Wigan the season previous to win the Premiership,[130] in the same season that they won the Charity Shield,[131] and lost the Lancashire Cup final. rugby league footballers who earned selection for an international team while playing for St Helens. Emily Rudge is a British rugby league player who plays for St Helens Women in the Women's Super League.She plays at second-row. The traditional red V was once more reverted to, after the controversial design, with a more circular design used for the 1999 season. From the brilliance - on the field, at least - of Ben Barba's short-lived spell with the club,. players. [158] Daniel Anderson was appointed as coach,[61] Millward was then made coach of archrivals Wigan. St Helens RFC's 10 Greatest Players Rugby League Opinions In Prescott's first season as coach he lifted the Lancashire League in the 195960 season. Especially recently, with incidents like the Ryan Bailey "chicken wing" tackle on Maurie Fa'asavalu in 2008, the presence of James Graham when the two meet, as well as the numerous fights that have broken out between the two sets of players, the game is certainly regarded as a feisty one, as well as one that produces entertaining rugby. Additionally, Paul Wellens received the Man of Steel Award for the 2006 season. JUST. [98][99] This could be a possible reason for Jim Challinor's replacement with Eric Ashton as head coach. You've made a. The Official Online Shop of St Helens Rugby League Football Club. [208], The St Helens academy has produced some of the finest youngsters, potential stars and internationals the world of rugby league has seen. Their jerseys were far more lightweight than what they had replaced, and they chose to revert to a more conventional fashion of red V in their designs. A number of serious injuries to further key players such as Leon Pryce and Ade Gardner meant the team was facing an uphill battle on the field all season. In 2012, the club moved into their new home at Langtree Park. Australian Royce Simmons took over from compatriot Mick Potter for the start of the 2011 season. List of St Helens R.F.C. players - Wikipedia This was illustrated by the defeat by Halifax in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley, 1918, in 1987. Wellens played with Roby from 2004 until 2015 and believes the Saints captain is the most "mentally resilient" team-mate he played with in his 20-year career. Super League Grand Final. [3] The first match of the new code was an 83 win at home to Rochdale Hornets before 3,000 spectators, Bob Doherty scoring St Helens' first try. [62] They didn't have long to wait for trophies as St Helens won the Lancashire Leagues, in 195253,[63] The 1953 Championship final against Halifax was held at Manchester City's Maine Road ground; in front of a crowd of over 50,000, Saints won their second Championship 2414. [83] This would be Coan's last year in charge at St Helens after a highly successful period as boss. 2023 . [137][138] In 2023 they then beat Penrith Panthers 13-12 in Australia to win it for a third time. Despite the big names like Meninga, van Vollenhoven, Lyon etc. Recap all the updates from St Helens' 20-12 Super League . The new crest was in the shape of a shield, and featured the over lapping "S" and "H" that the previous logo featured, but also displayed a red vee within the design, and "Saints RL" in upper case lettering at the top of the shield. [7][102] They also won the Premiership against Salford,[103] and the Floodlit Trophy against Dewsbury in a successful season. "He has time for everyone and is always there for anyone who needs him. Helens.". Background. St Helens are the only team in World Rugby League that can win 4 trophies this season. [75] St Helens won the Western Division Championship under McCormick's rule, beating Swinton 107. St Helens R.F.C. [49], Like during the First World War, the club could not enjoy having a fulltime squad during the Second World War and struggled to compete. Initially, the St Helens mascots were Bernard and Bernadette, St Bernard dogs; depicting something of a married couple with their on-field humorous antics. [235], The other "big" North West club in Super League, Warrington, have also built up an anticipated derby contest with St Helens, particularly within Super League. World Club Challenge: Penrith Panthers 12-13 St Helens - Super League "He is the easiest player to work with as a coach. It was from here that the criticism began, and questions were raised particularly of his tactics and his activity (or lack of) in the transfer market. 2021. New NRLW recruits Hollie-Mae Dodd, Georgia Roche in England squad vs Williams, Pearce-Paul and Welsby are the only members of last year's Rugby League World Cup squad involved too, yet Wane is enjoying working with a new group which he hopes will form a. Despite such high honours, when speaking to those who have played with him, worked with him or lined up against him, they all highlight the one aspect of Roby they admire more than anything else: his humbleness. [175] James Graham, on a positive note, made it a hattrick of exBlackbrook Royals to win the Man of Steel Award whilst playing for St Helens. For all St Helens players with a Wikipedia article see List of St Helens RLFC past players. [249] International, as well as national support is also strong with Saints. (@Saints1890) / Twitter Follow St.Helens R.F.C. Take a look at James Roby's career highlights as he prepares to make his 500th appearance for St Helens. [33][34][35][36][37][38][39], The club defeated town rivals the Recs in the Lancashire County Cup Final by 10 points to 2 in the 192627 season. Platinum Club Partners [122] Neil Holding with the crucial, match-winning drop-goal. "His competitive and tough nature is hidden by how humble he is as a man. "His defensive efforts and tackling is always talked about but what isn't always talked about is the way he is always in the right place at the right time supporting people and his passing skill and technical ability is world-class and he is a world-class bloke.