Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants have all completed major NRL signings but sometimes the best business comes from your rivals.
St Helens have snapped up Daryl Clark from Warrington Wolves as a replacement for the retiring James Roby but that might not be where the business between these two clubs ends.
There has been reports from the Examiner Live that new Warrington boss Sam Burgess could use his pull with Wesley Bruines to bring him over.
Speaking on Saints TV, Paul Wellens gave an update on the outside back’s future:
“At this moment in time, no. Wes is a great kid, an honest kid, and we’ve had a couple of conversations but I can’t really say too much there, I don’t want to breach Wes’ trust.
“I think I’ll continue to have discussions with Wes over the next few weeks and ultimately he’ll make a decision on his future in due course but what I say about Wes is that since he’s come through the door, he’s a wonderful lad.
“He works hard and has been a real valued member of the group and I can’t fault him in any way.”
The Saints have been able to confirm the future of Sione Mata’utia this week however.
In his debut campaign, he unfortunately missed out on the Challenge Cup Final win at Wembley but helped secure his first Super League title at Old Trafford, and followed it up with another championship winners ring in 2022.
Back in February this year, Mata’utia was also part of the historic World Club Challenge victory over Penrith Panthers, bringing back to the UK the Saints’ third world title in its history.
The 27-year-old to date has played 57 times for St.Helens, scoring twelve tries, and has proved himself to be one of Super League’s finest forwards, showcasing his powerful running and strong defensive work, alongside his versatility to play anywhere in the pack or even at centre.
On staying with the Saints for at least a further season, Sione Mata’utia told saintsrlfc.com:
“It’s good to finally get it done, I’ve got to thank the Club for allowing me the time to get through the process. There was a lot that had to go into it in terms of whether it was going to fit for my family to stay here again, knowing my partner would be away from her family as well. [The Club] allowed me a lot of time to let this play out a little bit longer, so I’m grateful for that opportunity and for the opportunity to keep doing what I love to do now.”
Heading into year four in the Red V in 2024, Mata’utia is excited to continue to be part of our club and work under Paul Wellens as his Head Coach.
“The personnel has changed, but the culture and expectations stay the same. I think that is what’s important, it’s why the Saints have been who they are. You are expected to do certain things when you step into the building and put on this jersey, as long as they never change I don’t think the culture would ever change. You always get the personnel change but once they come in, you know what’s expected, they will let you know that is for sure.
“I think every coach I’ve had has been different, it’s always refreshing to get a change. [Wellens] He’s added something different to what Woolfie (Kritsian Woolf) has. A bit more with the attack as well which is exciting, he’s an ex-player so he knows what the culture is like, it’s the biggest thing, he drives the culture and what the expectation is of how to be a Saints player.”
