Reported ‘number one target’ for St Helens job joins NRL club on long-term deal

A coach formerly described as the “number one target” for St Helens has signed a five-year deal with an NRL club, eliminating any chances of him making the switch to Super League.

It will be a boost for Paul Wellens, who had previously addressed the reports, with that ‘number one target’ Ben Gardiner now signing a five-year deal as the assistant coach at the NRL’s 18th team Perth Bears.

The Bears will join the competition from the 2027 season and have recently appointed legendary player and head coach Mal Meninga to the top job, however, Gardiner is set to serve as assistant with the role likely also seeing him succeed Meninga.

Meninga has sacrificed his role as the head coach of Australia to join Perth, having confirmed that he will not lead the Kangaroos in the Ashes, but Gardiner will not do the same in his role as Samoa head coach.

Per the initial confirmation of Gardiner making the switch to Perth, he will do so after the conclusion of the 2025 camapign meaning he will remain in his role as Penrith Panthers assistant, however, it was also noted that he will remain as Samoa’s head coach.

St Helens-linked coach lands new role

That could be something which is key for recruitment for the Bears with that angle previously noted by the Australian media with Michael Chammas noting Payne Haas’ desire to represent Samoa and the fact he is one of the major off-contract stars.

Previously, Australian media local to Gardiner’s current club Penrith had named him as the “number one target” for St Helens should they choose to make a move for a head coach.

After Saints’ Magic Weekend loss to Leeds Rhinos, the pressure was mounting on Paul Wellens and that saw reports emerge Down Under from Peter Vlang that Gardiner was “rumoured to be the number one target to take over as head coach for Super League side St Helens”.

Since that loss, Saints have won three of their four games with the sole loss coming against league leaders Hull KR, however, the Red Vee face Leeds Rhinos once again on Friday in a game where the pressure is on.

Responding to Vlang’s report at the time, Paul Wellens said: “Obviously I’ve heard the reports, but I can’t get caught up in things that may or may not happen. My focus has to be solely on the playing team, getting and supporting the players through what is a tough period at this moment in time.

“Some people may not believe that I’m a person who can get us out of the situation that we’re in at the moment and people are quite entitled to their opinion there, but I believe I am and I’ve got the full support of the team as well.”

A win against high-flying Leeds, which would avenge the Magic Weekend loss, would go a long way to getting any doubters back on side.