St Helens are Champions of the World after they stunned Penrith Panthers to win the World Club Challenge.
The game showed that Super League can compete with NRL. For years Super League has been branded as the secondary competition when compared to the NRL but yesterday St Helens, the best of Super League, showed that they can compete with the very best of the NRL in the shape of the Penrith Panthers.
It was a great performance from St Helens and a real proud day for the club but there will be a worry for them.
The performance of Jack Welsby will only make a move to the NRL more likely. His performance last week against against St George Illawarra Dragons intensified the interest from NRL clubs and now it could be almost impossible for the Saints in the years to come.
The Mole of Wide World of Sports revealed last week that NRL clubs were keen on the fullback.
Even more concerning is the same might happen with match winner Lewis Dodd. He was sensational and backed by commentator Andrew Voss for “higher honours” in the future.
Meanwhile, the likes of Joe Batchelor are being watched by NRL clubs whilst Tommy Makinson and Morgan Knowles turned down moves in the past.
Crucially though there could be an off-field star who could be chased by NRL clubs now according to the Daily Telegraph in the shape of Chief Executive Mike Rush.
The publication revealed that he interviewed for the same role at St George Illawarra Dragons but wasn’t given the job.
He has been the brains behind this St Helens dynasty and the Daily Telegraph believes every NRL club would be glad of his services.
They also reported that he is still keen on a move to the NRL and yesterday will see increased interest from down under.
Could this therefore lead to them losing Rush?
Time will tell.