Super League

Jack Welsby reflects on THAT try against Wigan Warriors, addresses whether he could replicate James Roby’s career and admits he’d be nervous for Grand Final

by
Cam Pattison
September 4, 2022

Jack Welsby is already a household name even though he’s only 21.

At the age of 19 he conjured up one of the most remembered moments in Super League history when his last minute try won the Grand Final for St Helens against rivals Wigan Warriors.

That was the day he edged his name into rugby league history, but the 2022 Dream Team stand-off today noted he was naïve going into that final and that he’d be more nervous for this year’s show piece event should the Saints make it going in search of a fourth consecutive Super League title: “You can two ways, I was probably a bit naïve in 2020, I didn’t know what to expect and obviously there was no one there.

“I was probably less nervous then than I would be if we got there this year. I just thought ‘I’m only young, I should get a few more opportunities if we don’t win this one’ and we went on to win it and do it again.

“I’ll probably be more nervous this year, but it’ll be good.”

He also reflected on the try itself noting that he was determined to not let it define him and it seems clear that he’s achieved that goal having been named in two consecutive Dream Teams since that try and set to be a key figure for the Saints as they go for another Super League title.

He also noted that he’s still young and has plenty of time to add highlights to his career but doesn’t imagine he could replicate James Roby’s longevity.

“It was never going to define me that moment,” Welsby said of the try, “But it was probably going to be the highlight of my career but I was determined to make sure that wasn’t all it was and I think I’ve done that the last couple of years.

“I just don’t want it to define me and I’ll kick on again next year impress whoever comes in as a good coach.

“I’m still only 21 so if I go as long as Robes [James Roby] I still have 17 more years to go although I don’t think I’ll manage that. He’s a once in a lifetime thing.”