The Paul Rowley era at St Helens got off to a winning start as the Red Vee beat Castleford Tigers 40-10 in Matty Lees’ testimonial match.
Rowley went with a very strong squad that Castleford could not contain as St Helens won 40-10, however, the biggest takeaway wasn’t the result but actually the spine that Rowley opted for.
It was an issue that plagued St Helens in 2025 and ultimately defined much of Paul Wellens’ final season in charge, that being the constant chopping and changing of the one, six and seven, with Daryl Clark the only real fixture at nine.
That was Clark’s role again today but he was playing with a brand-new halves pairing of Tristan Sailor and NRL recruit Jackson Hastings, with the former Man of Steel playing at seven with Sailor as his running six. That saw Jack Welsby take up his standard position of full-back whilst Joe Shorrocks acted as an extension of the spine at 13.
St Helens beat Castleford Tigers in Matty Lees’ testimonial
As well as that strong-looking spine, Paul Rowley named a very strong XIII with the likes of Nene Macdonald and David Klemmer debuting with Matty Lees skippering the side in his testimonial match.
Castleford also named a very strong side that had plenty of new signings on show but it wasn’t long before they were behind with Macdonald scoring on debut after just ten minutes.
His fellow centre Harry Robertson then got in on the action before Deon Cross added a third, though Castleford did reply before the break through NRL signing Mikaele Ravalawa to make it 16-6.
Saints kept turning the screw after half time though as last year’s play-off hero Shane Wright scored after a smart run from Tristan Sailor. Wright then doubled up with Harry Robertson offloading to his forward who raced 40 metres to the line.
Ravalawa pulled one back to save some face but Saints added two more with Lewis Murphy and Tristan Sailor getting in on the action, making it 40-10.
That last minute Tristan Sailor try did come whilst he was at full-back with George Whitby having been subbed on for Jack Welsby, highlighting the options that Paul Rowley does have, however, his initial selection was telling and seemingly hints to what his strongest XIII and spine is.
Positives for the Tigers will be Mikaele Ravalawa as well as solace in the fact they won’t have to face St Helens for a while, not facing them until round 12 in May.
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🙌 The Saints get the win in Matty Lees’ Testimonial Match! #COYS pic.twitter.com/dQNRwpIQFX
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 24, 2026
