Tonight’s derby between Wigan Warriors and St Helens will have a different feel to it given the exit of Paul Rowley, however, the message from assistant coach Lee Briers will not change.
Speaking earlier in the week before the news of Rowley’s exit emerged, assistant coach Briers spoke about the importance of the St Helens’ faithful who are travelling to Wigan tonight.
“We definitely need every fan to get behind us for the full 80 minutes, which they will do,” Briers said.
“Our support’s been fantastic. Always has been. This club’s always supported well, but we’re going to need you Friday.
“I’m speaking to every individual, St Helens person – We’re going to need you.”
Those comments take on a new dynamic given Rowley’s exit. Saints are well behind the eight ball for tonight’s game as they come up against an in-form Wigan side who have bodies coming back.
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What is St Helens’ plan with Harry Robertson?
St Helens by contrast are bang out of form and without plenty of key players but they did manage a win last week and they can expect some players back this week but their best hope may lie with young talent Harry Robertson.
Shifted to the halves last week, Robertson had one of his best games for St Helens and the question now lingers about where the club will play him, both this week and in the long-term.
Briers admitted: “Harry, wherever you put him, he plays really well. Again, there’s a plan, there’s a development of Harry.
“He’s still only 19, 20, and we don’t want to put too much pressure on him because, as in previous years, with throwing young halves in and then letting them sink, it’s not good on them.
“Harry’s doing great at the moment. He played really well at six, and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop further in his career.”
Speaking more on his versatility, Briers said: “Well, the strength of Harry is that he can play centre, he can play wing, he can play full-back, he can play six, seven.”
He also conceded that given the club’s injury issues in 2026 that he wouldn’t commit to what role Robertson will play given the club’s record of plans being ripped up on account of those injuries.
“It would be silly for me to say, right, he’s nailed on this because, as we’ve known, we just can’t get through game by game without getting injuries.
“I’m not going to jinx it. I’m going to touch wood, and hopefully he’s going to put his best foot forward this week.”
