St Helens boss Paul Wellens pays tribute to Steve McNamara

St Helens boss Paul Wellens has paid tribute to Catalans Dragons head coach Steve McNamara, who appears to be on his way out of the French club.

Wellens’ side thumped Catalans 40-0 last Thursday night and that’s a result that looks set to see McNamara relieved of his duties at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. Nothing has been confirmed by the club just yet but the expectation is that McNamara will be moving on ahead of Saturday’s clash with Wigan Warriors.

It’s a decision that brings an end to his seven and a half years in charge of the Dragons, with the former Bradford Bulls and England boss leading the club to Challenge Cup glory in 2018. He has also taken the Perpignan outfit to two Grand Finals to sum up just what a remarkable job the Yorkshireman has done there.

However, a difficult 2024 campaign has been followed by a slow start to the current season, with last week’s defeat leaving the club eighth, having won five and lost six of their opening 11. With that in mind, a change looks to be coming in the south of France

Wellens has only seen the reports, but he took the opportunity to pay tribute to the man he worked with on the international scene at the very start of his coaching career.

St Helens boss on Steve McNamara’s Catalans exit

“Steve has done a wonderful job there and I don’t think that can be underestimated with two Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup victory,” Wellens said on Wednesday afternoon.

“I’ve just read the reports and there has been no official statement but what I can say is that I owe Steve McNamara a lot. He’s a fantastic person and a wonderful coach. He gave me an opportunity in the England coaching staff and that was an opportunity that was wonderful for me.

“Whatever happens there at Catalans, whether he’s in a job or he ends up out of a job, I wish him and his family nothing but the best.”