St Helens

Paul Rowley’s first words after being appointed as St Helens head coach with key nod to young stars

by
Sam Cook
October 18, 2025

Paul Rowley has called it a ‘great privilege’ to be appointed as the new head coach of St Helens with the former Salford Red Devils boss officially confirmed as Saints’ new boss on Friday night.

Both Salford and St Helens shared statements with the Red Devils farewelling their former boss, whilst Saints confirmed that Rowley had signed a three-year deal with the club.

His appointment comes just over a week after the confirmation that Paul Wellens would leave the club, with the Saints legend not offered a new contract.

Explaining that a ‘thorough selection process’ had been conducted, Saints landed on Paul Rowley and it’s hard to argue that he’s not a near perfect candidate given his record in Super League.

One important thing about Paul Rowley sides is the way they attack and how dangerous they are, something that St Helens have been questioned about in recent years.

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St Helens youth set to flourish under Paul Rowley

Something that Paul Rowley will have to try and work out, as Paul Wellens spent much of 2025 trying to establish, is what St Helens’ best spine will be and Rowley has already given a nod to tweaking the attack.

Speaking to saintsrlfc.com, he said: “Saints have set the benchmark for years in the physical battle. I want to work with that foundation, retain it, add more options in attack, and keep teams guessing.

“Being a top team in Super League means you have to keep evolving, and with the way I want to play, I believe St Helens’ defence will allow me to add another layer to what Saints do really well.”

He also added: “This is a squad that is evolving with young, talented players coming to the fore, who I’m really excited to work with, and who we will be patient with. That is something I am sure will continue to be the cornerstone of St Helens going forward, and wanting to bring the best out of them is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Fans will be eager to see if that means George Whitby, one of the club’s young and talented players, does actually come to the fore and establishes himself as a starter in 2026.

Saints move an ‘exciting challenge’ for Paul Rowley

Having endured such a torrid year at Salford Red Devils where his coaching efforts were reduced more to just man management given the off-field issues, Rowley is keen to embrace a new challenge and he’s looking to put his own stamp on things at Saints.

Rowley explained: “It’s a great privilege to be joining St Helens, and to come to an environment and organisation that’s solid and proven in success. It feels like an exciting challenge for me, different in many respects, and I’ll be looking to step in to put my own stamp on things with positive changes and have a real influence.

“I’m coming in with an open mind and new ideas, but I want to learn about all the people involved at the Club – and I mean everyone, from the Boardroom, all the staff, and the supporters. Then I’ll back my judgment and experience, looking to progress, move forward and, ultimately, win things.”

Chairman Eamonn McManus added: “We warmly welcome Paul Rowley as our new Head Coach. He is both experienced and talented, and we feel that he is now ready to coach a leading club such as St Helens.

“He is well aware of our objectives and our ambitions, and we consider that he is capable of achieving them.”