Man of Steel Contenders: Jack Welsby

When the likes of Lachlan Coote and Theo Fages left St Helens at the end of 2021, a period of transition may have been expected.

But that wasn’t the case. Step up, Jack Welsby.

Whether he’s played full back or in the halves, Welsby has excelled in 2022. He’s effortlessly filled the void left by experienced players that were integral to St Helens’ three-peat success.

Fellow Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel finalist Jai Field knows a thing or two about navigating between positions, and was full of praise for the way Welsby has performed this year - regardless of his position.

“He’s a great player. I’ve had to do that transition into the halves from full back and it is a lot trickier than people think – especially if you’ve played a lot of full back,?? Field explained.

“You get thrown into the halves and suddenly you’re in the front line, tackling, and it takes a bit of juice out of you. I understand how hard that can be so to see his transition there and how well he’s gone, it’s outstanding. He’s a class player.??

Lomax fumbles 😮 Super Jack says 'I got you' ??

Welsby wins it in Golden Point for @Saints1890 🔥#SuperLeague #SLWakStH pic.twitter.com/D2eyx0HT08
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 24, 2022

In Welsby, Saints have unearthed a supreme talent that will take the reins at the club for years to come. After being named Betfred Super League Young Player of the Year last season, Welsby has just got better.

It’s quite remarkable that despite the wealth of talent across the Saints side, the 21-year-old stands above the rest as a finalist for the Man of Steel award.

And that’s not forgetting he’s up for the Young Player of the Year award again too.

Welsby has the world at his feet but remains grounded and focused on being the best version of himself in whatever role he plays.

He’s blessed with undeniable talent and backs it up with unrelenting effort alongside a will to compete. For all of St Helens’ injury struggles this year, he has remained a constant in their side.

Welsby's cover tackle 😳🔥

Great defence by @Saints1890, great play all round #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/5kPYzcVZBi
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 14, 2022

Welsby has created 27 tries for St Helens this season – the third most across Super League. And in the 24 regular season games that he’s been a part of, he has failed to have a try involvement in just two. Elite.

The likes of Jai Field and Brodie Croft have made plenty of headlines this season, but Welsby’s consistently high performances have ensured that he is not forgotten.

Now, he has the chance to follow in the footsteps of fellow St Helens academy products James Graham, Paul Wellens, and current club captain James Roby in being named Man of Steel.

And the scary part – he’s just getting started. Welsby is at the beginning of what promises to be a career like no other. He is emerging as a genuine leader in the Saints side and will undoubtedly become a future captain of the club if he continues at the same trajectory.

Welsby is fearless on the pitch and isn’t afraid to make mistakes. He has shown maturity well beyond his years and, since his 2020 Super League Grand Final heroics, ‘Super Jack’ has become a a cult hero at St Helens. 

The winner of this season's Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award will be revealed on Tuesday 20 September during the 2022 Betfred Super League awards night. 

Fans will be able to watch the unveiling of the 2022 Man of Steel live on Betfred Super League’s YouTube channel here.