Robertson ready for Rivals Round Returns

He made his senior debut in a Wigan v Saints Derby last year…and the highly rated Harry Robertson is more than ready to play in another!

Robertson is a rising star. He broke onto the scene mid-way through last year and has since impressed in 2025 with 11 tries in 19 appearances for St Helens.

The club immediately recognised Robertson’s potential and wasted no time in tying down one of their most prospering young talents until the end of 2028.

And it’s a good job as the 19-year-old couldn’t ever imagine playing anywhere else.

With the ability to play fullback, halfback or at centre – Robertson is one of the hottest properties among the Super League youngsters and has been seizing the chance to play as many first team minutes as possible in the Red V.

He had been ever present in Paul Wellens’ side at the start of the year, but an unfortunate quad injury in Round 7 left him sidelined for a handful of weeks - also meaning he would miss the first Rivals Round after being so excited to play in this.

“That one did really sting,” admitted Robertson. “The Derby on Good Friday was one of the biggest games of the year. When you disregard Play-Offs, finals and cup runs and all things like that, then the Good Friday Derby is probably the biggest game of the season for us.

“I went and watched it but that didn’t make it any better. I was sat down and just remember thinking ‘I wish I was on the pitch!’

“It was also great that I’d been getting consistent games and playing every week in front of our fans.”

Time has flown since then, however, and with a hotly anticipated Rivals Round Returns just around the corner, Robertson is relishing the chance to finally come up against the Warriors:

“I’m pretty excited. We speak about Saints v Wigan games like they’re finals and I’ve watched most of them throughout the years growing up.

“I made my debut in a derby last year and I can completely understand why it means so much to the team and the fans.

“Those types of games are like finals in their own right. The only thing missing really is a trophy – the intensity of game and the occasion and atmosphere makes it mean so much more.

“I’ll probably get nervous closer to the time. I get nervous for most games, but I feel like these games are the ones that you really want to test yourself in and find out how good you are.

“We’re going up against a very good team in Wigan and there’s going to be a massive crowd there – the noise will give both teams a major high boost.

“It’s probably the best rugby league game I’ll have played in all year so far.”

It’s a sensational and storied rivalry between the two sides and Robertson remembers exactly how he felt leading up to his first team debut in The Derby last July:

“I got told on the Monday before that I was going to be playing that Friday – at fullback as well – and I was terrified!

“I hardly slept – it was a rough week, really. But as soon as it kicked off, I felt brilliant. I think I made a mistake early on in the kick, dropped the ball from kick off or something similar, but after that I wasn’t nervous anymore.

“I felt like I’d got the mistake and any jitters out of the way and then I just started playing and ended up doing quite well. I assisted Jack Welsby’s try. We ended up losing by the finest of margins, but it was a brilliant game to play in.

“It was just one of those games we came out on the wrong side – the team gave everything we could. Those are the games you want to play in as players.

“It doesn’t seem two minutes since I made my debut and it’s still a bit strange to playing with some of the players I play with – and against. This time last year I was still playing in the Academy, so it’s been a whirlwind!”

Robertson is yet to experience a victory over his side’s rivals, but with home advantage in Rivals Round Returns and Saints having won nine of their last eleven matches, he is confident that this can change:

“This time we’ll hopefully win. I’ve played Wigan two times now and I haven’t won yet, so I really want to get the win against them. It would be special.

“Scoring against Wigan in a derby is the type of stuff you dream about.

“I haven’t played Wigan at home yet either, it’s either been away at their place or at Magic Weekend. I’m excited to see what the Saints fans are like, but I know they’ll be amazing like they always are.”

Saints v Wigan are fixtures steeped in utmost history and Friday Night’s clash has plenty more riding on it, with Saints steamrolling towards to the Play-Offs and the Warriors still in pursuit of the League Leaders’ Shield.

“I’m pretty excited heading into the last part of the season. The games are getting a lot more intense as we’re coming up to the Play-Offs,” said Robertson.

“After a few tough periods, I feel like we’ve got the momentum behind us, we know our play style now and we have been playing really well.

You CAN'T catch him! ?

Robertson intercepts and takes it the length ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/JxwSltRj5a

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 1, 2025

“We might not have got a winning result against Hull KR last week, for example, but we still feel like we put in a pretty good and solid performance.”

However, Robertson is under no illusion of the challenge that lies ahead when they welcome the champions to the Totally Wicked Stadium.

“I’m expecting a really good Wigan side. They sit second in the table, just a little bit above us, and I know they’ve beaten us the last few times we’ve played them, but like I’ve just said, we put in a really good performance against Hull KR last week who are at the top of the table.

“We’ve also put in some good performances throughout the year against teams above us in the league, so I if we go out there and do our best then that that's all we can do and hopefully we'll come out and get the right result in the end.”

The Final Charge is in full swing, where final league standings could go down to the wire. This means Friday's Derby going to be more explosive than ever.

“Between 2nd and 5th place, there’s all to play for. The table is changing every week.”

Can Saints set their sights on a return to Old Trafford? Their future is certainly looking bright for its next generation with the likes of Robertson secured in their side.

And just how hungry is Robertson for success with Saints?

“St Helens has one of the richest histories in Super League and when I was coming through the Scholarship and Academy, the club had achieved the four Grand Finals back-to-back.

“Just seeing that success whilst coming through the ranks just makes you hungry for more trophies. I want to do my best and achieve success.”

Are you ready for Rivals Round Returns?

St Helens will host Wigan Warriors in Rivals Round Returns (Round 25) this Friday Night (live on Sky Sports, K.O. 8pm).

All six games across Rivals Round will be broadcasted LIVE and information regarding dates, venues and kick-off times can be found here.

There's still time to sign up to SuperLeague+ if you haven't already, with match passes, monthly passes and annual passes all available.