Paul Wellens explains how Tee Ritson signing was long time in the making and the thinking behind St Helens’ latest signing

St Helens have announced the signing of Tee Ritson tonight.

The highly rated Championship winger, the second tier’s top try scorer in 2022 no less, joins surprisingly on an initial loan deal with an option for a permanent switch at the end of it.

It comes as no surprise to see St Helens recruit a winger after losing Regan Grace to rugby union.

Jon Bennison may be the holder of Grace’s number five shirt in 2023, but Saints were still set to be a man short in the back next season without another winger and hence the signing of Ritson who joins the Champions as their number 25 for the new season.

Speaking on the signing, Head Coach Paul Wellens revealed that the transfer was a long time in the making with the Champions keeping an eye on him for a lot of this season.

He also explained the thought process behind the signing: “Tee is a player we’ve been watching a lot this season, especially once we knew we’d be looking at the season with one less winger and we’d need more competition within the squad.

“His pace and athleticism are there for everyone to see and he’s had an impressive year as he was crowned the top try scorer in the championship last season.

“He has a great work ethic and a fantastic attitude which I’m sure will see him continue to develop with us at Saints over the coming season.

“We can’t wait to welcome him into our system and get going.”