St Helens youngster George Whitby announced himself to Super League against Wigan Warriors and he’s had his say on what’s to come.
The 18-year-old was previously part of Burnley Football Club’s youth set-up but he opted to go down the route of rugby league and the sport is fortunate for it, as he looks to be a genuine talent.
In just his third Super League appearance, the St Helens youngster looked like the most assured player for the Red Vee as he had a stellar game against Wigan Warriors.
Saints did lose 24-14 but the errors of senior players was the real downfall with Whitby actually leading the possible comeback with his savvy play out of the seven spot.
Brought into the team last week ahead of captain Jonny Lomax, who was inured, Whitby retained his position and he spoke post-match on Sky Sports about his hope that he had “repaid the faith” that head coach Paul Wellens had shown in him.
St Helens’ teen George Whitby reacts to first Good Friday derby
Not many teenagers play in Super League, never mind play in front of over 24,000 in one of the biggest games in the sport but Whitby took to it with ease.
Speaking post-match, he said: “I really enjoyed it out there. It’s an absolutely unreal feeling. As a fan, this is the best game of the calendar I’ve come into as a fan but to be out there at the young age is just really special and I’ve really enjoyed it out there.”
On Paul Wellens’ decision to give him the nod, the 18-year-old revealed: “He just pulled me to the side on the first session this week and he said that I earned the jersey off the back of a really strong performance and he just gave me that trust in me. He said I backed you 100% and just do your job.
“Thankfully I like to think I repaid the faith but yeah I really enjoyed it. It just gave me goosebumps all over listening to the crowd just roar, they feel like they’re surrounding you and it’s unreal.”
The 18-year-old went about his game as if he was making his 300th Super League appearance, not his third, and he explained where that confidence comes from.
“I’d like to think I’ve built that in myself, being that number seven and that director throughout as I’ve come through the system,” he said.
“That’s my job at the end of the day, if I’m not doing that there’s going to be a lot of confusion around the pitch. I just think just nailing down my role and talking to my forwards when they’re a little bit fatigued, I think that’s the most important thing and it helps us get them around the field more easier.”
On the prospects of more games this season, the teen said: “Fingers crossed, yeah. I’m just going to keep working hard and hopefully I get the opportunity.”
⏹ The Saints fall to a defeat at The Brick Community Stadium on Good Friday 2025#COYS | @LPL_Airport pic.twitter.com/AgLr1agqNd
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) April 18, 2025
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