How St Helens could line up in 2024 with two huge signings boosting Super League hopes

St Helens come into the 2024 season looking to regain their crown. 

The Saints missed out on the Grand Final for the first time since 2018 last season, but this season presents them with a fresh start. They will be without legendary captain James Roby, but Paul Wellens has brought in a fantastic replacement in the form of Daryl Clark. The Saints haven’t made waves in the market, but have added plenty of depth across the pitch.

Here is a potential St Helens side to start their drive for the title in 2024:

Full back: Jack Welsby 

The mercurial Jack Welsby looks set for another massive year in St Helens colours. He is arguably the best player in the league; and at just 22-years old he is only going to get better. He also comes into the 2024 season fresh from captaining his country, and could easily be given the armband for his club too. This could be yet another fantastic chapter in his career to date.

Wingers: Tommy Makinson and Jon Bennison 

Tommy Makinson and Jon Bennison have already been given the winger jerseys this season, and they look set for another season in the starting side. They will face stern competition from speedster Tee Ritson, but Makinson is an experienced head in the squad and is another player who could replace Roby as club skipper. His wing partner Bennison is still developing, but he showed last season is a fine operator out wide, and will also improve with more time at this level.

Centres: Waqa Blake and Mark Percival

Waqa Blake and Mark Percival take our spots in the centres with the addition of Blake this past week seemingly confirming the Fijian as a starter for the club. Having signed a one year deal after his release from Parramatta the flying centre will add plenty of pace and skill to an already brilliant back-line. Alongside him we have gone for the ever dependable Mark Percival. Percival is a great player in this St Helens team, and he looks set for another big year.

Half backs: Jonny Lomax and Lewis Dodd

The half-backs pick themselves for St Helens. Jonny Lomax is already a legend at the club, and is one of their most important players. His experience and role within the team also means he could easily named as club captain. but even without the title he is one of the first names on the team sheet. Alongside him is youngster Lewis Dodd. Dodd showed last season he has maturity beyond his years by slotting winning drop goals against Leeds Rhinos and Penrith in the World Club Challenge. Another big year for the 21-year old would put him in a good position to push for England caps, and this could prove a huge driver for him.

Props: Alex Walmsley and  Matty Lees 

The powerful duo of Walmsley and Lees look set to continue their brilliant partnership in the front row for another year. Both players get through plenty of work in the middle to get their team on the front foot-which often leads to points for the Saints.

Hooker: Daryl Clark 

Daryl Clark has huge boots to fill this season, but he is a quality player in his own right. He is just the third man in 30 years to wear the number nine shirt for the Saints, but his displays at Warrington and England last season proved he could be the perfect replacement for the legendary Roby. Clark will also be looking to keep his starting shirt for England, which will drive him to have a big debut year in St Helens colours.

Second-rowers:  Joe Batchelor and James Bell 

The second-row is an area St Helens are particularly strong in, but Joe Batchelor and James Bell take our spots in the starting side. Batchelor is a crucial player for the Saints, but he can often go amiss in a star-studded side. Alongside him, we’ve picked James Bell after his stellar campaign in 2023. Bell came on leaps and bounds last campaign, and became one of the Saints most important players. His versatility also allows for more rotation between the pack, and this could be a good weapon for the Saints this season.

Loose forward: Morgan Knowles 

England international Morgan Knowles completes our starting 13. He is one of the best loose forwards in Super League, and is another huge player for his club. He is a powerful runner with the ball and gets through plenty of work on both sides of the ball. He will also be keen to kick his season off with a bang following an injury picked up on England duty.

Bench:

Moses Mbye

Mbye arrived mid-season last time out, and will be hoping for a positive first full season in the red vee.

Curtis Sironen

Sironen is a powerful player, and will cause havoc coming off the bench this season.

Sione Mata’utia

Mata’utia is another big player for this Saints side, and a bringing a player of his quality off the bench could work wonders for the Saints.

George Delaney 

Delaney came on leaps and bounds towards the end of last season, and will only improve from more regular minutes off the bench.