Kristian Woolf pays tribute to St Helens squad as he makes final goodbye

Right now Kristian Woolf’s focus is fully on winning the World Cup with Tonga.

After that, he seems like the kind of man to immediately throw himself into his next job: building the NRL’s newest side The Dolphins into a major force in the competition.

However, it should not be forgotten what he has done at St Helens becoming the first coach in Super League history to win three consecutive Grand Finals helping the Saints make their own history with four consecutive title toppling the record established by Leeds Rhinos from 2007-09.

He has also lifted the League Leaders’ Shield, which he did this year, and the Challenge Cup due to Wembley success over Castleford in 2021 ending a 13-year wait for Saints in the capital.

So, much of that success was founded on what they did week to week at home at the Totally Wicked Stadium and last night with Tonga against Wales, Woolf experienced his last match at the ground for some time.

After the game talking to the BBC, he reflected on his time at St Helens and paid tribute to their ground and the squad he worked with.

He said: “I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a great club, it’s a great stadium. I’ve loved my time at St Helens.

“I’ve spoken plenty of times about the group of men I’ve had the privilege of working with and this field is where I get to work with them the most.

“But it’s also great to bring this great Tongan group here, an exceptional group of men as well. They carry themselves so well.

“I’ll have very fond memories of this place for sure.”