Paul Wellens on signing Wesley Bruines and what he will bring to St Helens

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens says Wesley Bruines will provide competition for places within his squad next season – as he explained why the Champions have brought him in.

The 19-year-old has signed for Saints on a one-year deal on Wednesday evening after spending last season in Australia with the South Sydney Rabbitohs development team.

Bruines, who was born in Dewsbury and previously spent a season with Wakefield, is a promising outside-back who scored three tries in nine games for the Rabbitohs’ development team in 2022, playing both centre and wing.

And speaking on the signing, Wellens acknowledged that Bruines ambition and potential were part of the reasons for bringing him in to the Saints squad for the 2023 Super League season.

“Wesley is a player with great potential, he has good knowledge of the game and the Super League competition,” Wellens told the official St Helens club website.

“He has a really impressive work ethic and moving to Australia at a young age just shows how ambitious he is, but there’s a real resilience there as well from him and he’s really got his head down over the last few years and improved massively.

“This is a great opportunity for Wes, and having spoken with him I know it’s one he’s very eager to take. His addition gives our squad added depth and provides further competition for places.”

Bruines will wear the number 34 shirt for Saints as he looks to kick on with his development and push the more established players for a starting spot in Super League next season.