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2026 Season Preview: St Helens
30 Jan 2026
The appointment of Paul Rowley as head coach signals a fresh start and a shift in direction at the Saints. Rowley arrives at the Brewdog Stadium with a strong reputation after his time at Salford. He consistently overdelivered during his time at the club and showed unwavering loyalty during a treacherous 2025 season.
Now, he takes on a new, even bigger challenge. Taking St Helens back to the top. Rowley has inherited a capable squad with an exciting blend of youth, experienced campaigners and players who know what it takes to win trophies in the Red V.
At the heart of St Helens’ future is an exciting core of young talent. Harry Robertson, Owen Dagnall and George Delaney represent a new wave of Saints players aiming to reach the heights of those before them. And with the likes of former Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Jackson Hastings, former Kangaroo David Klemmer, and the explosive Nene Macdonald, Saints’ squad is taking shape to compete for silverware once again in 2026.
2026 is going to be a year-long celebration of the club and marks a momentous milestone – it is 30 years since they secured the Double with the 1996 Challenge Cup trophy and the inaugural Super League title.
Can they repeat the glory of 1996 exactly three decades later? As the famous saying goes...you can "Never write off the Saints."
Determined mood.#COYS | @plattyphoto pic.twitter.com/v27Ypjx0UH
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 2, 2026
Ins & Outs:
Ins: Shane Wright (Salford Red Devils), Jacob Host (South Sydney Rabbitohs), David Klemmer (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jacob Douglas (Wigan), Joe Shorrocks (Salford Red Devils), Jackson Hastings (Newcastle Knights), Nene Macdonald (Salford Red Devils)
Outs: Morgan Knowles, Moses Mbye, Tee Ritson, Kian McGann, Jon Bennison, Konrad Hurrell, Joe Batchelor, James Bell, Will Roberts, Dayon Sambou, Jonny Vaughan, Ciaran Nolan
Who are the ones to watch?
Jackson Hastings arrives at St Helens with pedigree and influence. A former Man of Steel, his creativity and game management could transform the Saints' attack, which was at times lacklustre in 2025. A proven success in the Betfred Super League, he is composed in big moments and will likely take the reins leading the Saints around the park.
Saints youngster Harry Robertson capped off a stellar 2025 season by winning the Super League Young Player of the Year Award. Athletic, fearless and a natural rugby league player, his emergence in the centres was made even more impressive given it’s not his natural position. A year on, he’ll only get better. So expect even more from this young starlet in 2026.
Prolific try scorer Kyle Feldt ended the 2025 season on 20 tries in 17 Super League appearances. His size, speed and finishing ability makes him a constant threat on the edges. We've already seen some eye-catching stuff from Feldt, and if he can stay injury free this season, his game could be taken to a whole new level.
Who is the next generation?
For over a decade, Jonny Lomax has been integral to the Saints’ spine. But the emergence of George Whitby could see a changing of the guard at St Helens. The youngster has shown glimpses of his talent when called upon – and 2026 may be the year that he cements his spot in the Saints line-up.
1?7? George Whitby
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) December 17, 2025
A bright young Saints talent who is on the rise, shown by his hat-trick at home against Catalans earlier this year!
See George and all our Saints with a 2026 Membership!
? https://t.co/nwJ2GSM5pA#COYS
What are the defining dates?
St Helens take on last year’s top two in consecutive weeks during the early rounds of the 2026 season.
A trip to the treble-winning Robins in Round 6 is followed by the traditional Rivals Round clash on Good Friday at home against their bitter rivals, Wigan Warriors. The Saints failed to beat Wigan in both of last year’s derby day clashes, with their last victory against the Warriors coming on Easter Weekend in 2024.
They take on the Warriors three times in 2026 – with the final two meetings in close succession in July, including a meeting at the Hill Dickinson Stadium during Magic WKND. If the Saints want to challenge for the title in 2026 – these are the games they will need to win.
Smiles all round in the gym ?
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 14, 2026
Our first match of the year is moving ever closer!
Ready for it?
? https://t.co/Tv313g8Eq6#COYS pic.twitter.com/5yKRUNddmL
What is the 2026 squad list?
1. Jack Welsby, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Harry Robertson, 4. Mark Percival, 5. Deon Cross, 6. Tristan Sailor, 7. Jonny Lomax, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees, 11. Curtis Sironen, 12. Shane Wright, 13. David Klemmer, 14. Jacob Host, 15. George Delaney, 16. Matt Whitley, 17. George Whitby, 18. Jake Wingfield, 19. Agnatius Paasi, 20. Lewis Murphy, 21. Noah Stephens, 22. Joe Shorrocks, 23. Jake Burns, 24. Owen Dagnall, 25. Nene Macdonald, 26. Jacob Douglas, 27. Leon Cowen, 28. Jake Davies, 29. Alfie Sinclair, 31. Jackson Hastings
? St.Helens R.F.C. First Team 2026
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 21, 2026
Honouring the Past. Inspiring the Future.#COYS | @plattyphoto ? pic.twitter.com/8nrTRHJhhb
What are the Saints' first three games on SuperLeague+?
SuperLeague+ is back for another HUGE year of live action, and this is when fans can watch the Saints in the opening rounds (UK and Ireland)*
- Round 2: St Helens v Leigh Leopards - Friday 20 February (K.O. 8pm)
- Round 3: Catalans Dragons v St Helens - Saturday 28 February (K.O. 7pm)
- Round 4: St Helens v Bradford Bulls - Saturday 7 March (K.O. 5.30pm)
*Overseas viewers can watch EVERY Saints match LIVE every week.
Sign up to SuperLeague+ today to enjoy 130 LIVE games, full match replays, highlights and other exclusive on demand content!
What are the Saints' Betfred Odds?
Grand Final – 13/2
Regular season winner – 13/2
Top 6 finish – 2/7
Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Winner – Tristan Sailor 20/1
Click here for the full list of Betfred Super League betting odds
Where can I follow the Saints on social media?
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The Saints and 30 years of Super League:
Few clubs in the modern era can match the sustained excellence of the Saints. As the most decorated team in Super League history, their identity has long been defined by success, standards and an expectation of silverware. Titles, trophies and iconic moments have shaped the club’s DNA, creating a culture where competing at the top is not an ambition but a requirement.
They announced their arrival as a dominant modern power by winning the inaugural Super League title in 1996, setting the tone for a period of sustained success. Over the subsequent decades, they became the most decorated club in Super League history. From their treble-winning season in 2006 to a Fourmidable run which saw them win four consecutive Super League Grand Finals, the Saints have been the benchmark.
They are 10x Super League champions and 8x League Leaders' Shield winners. This includes the inaugural Super League title in 1996.
