2023 Season Preview: St Helens

St Helens etched their name in Super League history after a record-breaking fourth consecutive Grand Final win in 2022. They also topped the Betfred Super League table for a record-extending tenth time in the summer era, illustrating their remarkable ability to perform on a week-to-week basis.

In 2023, the bulk of St Helens' squad remains intact - but there's a new look coaching set up following Kristian Woolf's return to Australia. Club legend and former assistant coach Paul Wellens takes charge of his home-town club and will be tasked with protecting and growing Saints' impressive dynasty. The Champions will once again be the team to beat in 2023 as the chasing pack battle to de-throne the current Kings. 

Ins & outs

Ins

Tee Ritson (Barrow Raiders), Wesley Bruines (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Outs

Regan Grace (Racing 92), Kyle Amor (Widnes), Aaron Smith (Leigh Leopards), Josh Simm (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Rio Osayomwanbo-Corkill (released), Tom Nisbet (Leigh Leopards)

Ones to watch

2023 stars

Lewis Dodd's season was cruelly cut short after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury during a derby day win in Round 8. Before that, he had effortlessly settled into life as Saints' number seven and was growing into his role more and more as the weeks progressed.

As the old saying goes, the comeback is always greater than the setback and Dodd will be raring to go in 2023. He oozes confidence and should be unfazed by the events of 2022 - he's likely to be thrown straight back into the deep end as Saints travel to Australia in a bid to become World Champions. Regardless of that result, Dodd will benefit from that experience and be better for the game time ready to lead his side around the park. 

Step ? finish ?

Lewis Dodd with a great solo effort for @Saints1890 on Saturday ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/srOLtUA1MK
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 21, 2022

2023 will be James Roby's final season as a player. Roby has been a prominent and irreplaceable figure in Super League for almost two decades and is set to bow out at the conclusion of 2023. Despite his age, he remains one of best and most consistent players in the competition and will undoubtedly end his glittering career in similar fashion this year. Although 2023 looks to be his last in a Saints shirt, he's showed no signs of slowing down on the field. Roby is still equipped with a dart from dummy half and is a brick wall in the St Helens' defensive line.

Last year, he became Super League's all-time record appearance maker and a six time Grand Final winner. This year, he'll be determined to finish his career on a high and lead his side to a record-extending fifth consecutive Grand Final win. 

Next generation

St Helens have an endless conveyor belt of young talent coming through their ranks. Young forward George Delaney looks to be next in line after showing glimpses of his potential in 2022 during his limited time in the first team. He was rewarded with a call up to the England Knights squad during their end of year internationals and will head into the new season full of confidence after that unforgettable experience.

??????? @Saints1890's George Delaney has been selected by Paul Anderson for #EnglandRL Knights match against @scotlandrl on Saturday...

?? Hear from Delaney ahead of the game on Saturday which will be shown live on @TheSportsman at 1:30PM... pic.twitter.com/HXkGVKdpes
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 6, 2022

Delaney is a fearless ball runner with little regard for his own well-being. He's cut from the same cloth as his St Helens teammate Matty Lees and looks set for a similar career trajectory. Saints have an impressive and experienced forward pack that Delaney will benefit from training with and learning from - and when his chance comes, expect him to grab it with both hands.

Defining dates

Saints will fly the flag for Super League as they take residence in Australia for the next two weeks. They are set to face NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons before a huge clash against 2022 NRL Champions Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge.

Because of this, it could be a tough return to Super League for the reigning Champions. They begin their 2023 campaign in Round 2 away at the Jungle against Cas. A tough place to go at the best of times, Saints will likely be battered, bruised and fatigued on their return from the Southern Hemisphere.

Australia, the Saints are coming. ?? @SuperLeague ?? @NRL #COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking pic.twitter.com/oFAv2FDxia
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 31, 2023

That's followed by a huge Grand Final rematch against the Rhinos in Round 3. Rohan Smith's side will be out for revenge and will provide another big test during Paul Wellens' first season in charge. They then travel to the Leigh Sports Village against the newly promoted Leopards - a potential banana skin fixture during a pivotal period in Saints' season. 

Squad list

1. Jack Welsby, 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Will Hopoate, 4. Mark Percival, 5. Jon Bennison, 6. Jonny Lomax, 7. Lewis Dodd, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. James Roby, 10. Matty Lees, 11. Sione Mata?utia, 12. Joe Batchelor, 13. Morgan Knowles, 14. Joey Lussick, 15. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 16. Curtis Sironen, 17. Agnatius Paasi, 18. Jake Wingfield, 19. James Bell, 20. Dan Norman, 21. Ben Davies, 22. Sam Royle, 23. Konrad Hurrell, 24. Lewis Baxter, 25. Tee Ritson, 26. Dan Hill, 27. Jumah Sambou, 28. Matty Foster, 29. Taylor Pemberton, 30. George Delaney, 31. Daniel Moss, 32. Ben Lane, 33. McKenzie Buckley, 34. Wesley Bruines.