Former St Helens boss Paul Wellens linked with shock rugby league coaching return

Following his recent exit from St Helens, Super League legend Paul Wellens may well have already found his next destination, with a surprise club reportedly wanting his signature.

Wellens left his role as boss of the Saints once his contract expired, and departed the club he made 499 appearances as a player for after three seasons in charge.

He was replaced by ex-Salford Red Devils man Paul Rowley, who penned a three-year deal at the former four-peat Champions.

Exiting the club with a win rate of 63%, Wellens is now on the lookout for a new team to ply his trade, and if reports are to be believed, it could come sooner than expected.

Reports in Australia have linked the ex-Great Britain international to the NRL, with North Queensland Cowboys looking at bringing him in as an assistant.

Nine’s Wide World Of Sport believe that Cowboys boss Todd Payten could be looking at Wellens as one of his right-hand men.

Payten, who has been in his role since the start of 2021 and is off contract at the end of 2026, currently has former Hull KR boss Justin Morgan in his ranks, and now there could be another ex-Super League coach making his way to the club.

The Cowboys have been inconsistent in their league finishes during Payten’s time, dipping in and out of the finals series over the past four years.

In what is thought to be a crucial year for both Payten and the club, bringing in someone with Wellens’ ability and experience can only help them improve, and a successful year with the Saints legend by his side could see the 46-year-old secure a new deal, and take him into a seventh year at the helm, should he continue beyond next year.

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