St Helens boss Paul Wellens: “We’re a team heading in the right direction” following big win over Salford Red Devils

St Helens boss Paul Wellens praised his side’s professionalism after a 58-0 victory over strugglers Salford Red Devils on Sunday.

At 20-0 at half-time, it wasn’t a bad showing from the Salford side, but Saints’ class showed in the second half, running in another seven tries for a total of eleven on the day.

Wellens was happy with how his side approached the match, especially in the second half.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he said: “I thought it was a really professional performance.

“Obviously, Salford’s struggles have been well documented, but we needed to turn up here anyway and do a job.

“I’ve got to credit the team there. They were frustrated quite early on because things weren’t quite happening for us.

“We adapted on the fly, started to get a bit of joy through the middle of the field and then stuck at that and then reaped the rewards at the back of the game.”

Winger Kyle Feldt scored a hat-trick on only his third game back following hand surgery, and he and utility back Tristan Sailor combined well out wide.

Wellens praised the duo, saying: “It’s been great to get Kyle back in the team. Tristan’s getting an extended run in his favoured position.

“They work hard at training every week, they spend time on the training field doing their extras and working on those combinations.”

Paul Wellens highlights young St Helens players and a team going in the right direction

The Saints boss was quick to highlight all of his young players who have stepped into key roles in 2025, due to injuries.

He said they’ve taken those opportunities well and that competition for places when those senior players return is great for him as a coach.

He said: “They’ve been exceptional, all those young lads: Owen, Harry, Noah. George Delaney’s still a young player, despite having plenty of games under his belt.

“Young George Whitby, who was the 18th man today, didn’t quite get an opportunity today, but he’s been excellent also.

“I think when you’re struggling with numbers and you have key players out, it’s important that your young guys step up and ours certainly have done.”

Looking ahead to next week’s fixture, St Helens will travel over to Hull FC, who themselves want to cement a top-six spot.

Wellens finished: “We just want to keep building. I think we feel that we’re a team heading in the right direction.

“We’ve had some inconsistent performances over the course of 2025, but we’re starting to slowly change that. Next week’s another great challenge for us.”

😇 A professional performance from the Saints over Salford gets the job done at the Totally Wicked Stadium!#COYS | @LPL_Airport pic.twitter.com/qPQHxMpKSc

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) June 29, 2025