‘Setting standards higher’ – St Helens star discusses pre-season and coaching changes

St Helens utility Moses Mbye has claimed that the results of 2024 highlight why the club must ‘set standards higher’ for the upcoming season.

Saints finished sixth in Super League in 2024 and narrowly lost a thriller to Warrington Wolves in the first round of the play-offs, with Wire having previously seen them off in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals as well.

It meant a trophyless year for the first time since 2017, something that has seen utility Moses Mbye reveal that the focus of pre-season has been to ‘set standards higher’.

The 31-year-old, who was recently subject to interest from Penrith Panthers, has outlined the improvements the club are looking to make in 2025 whilst assessing how new staff hires can aid that.

Speaking about the pre-season to SaintsTV, Mbye said: “It’s been really good. We’ve had a really tough pre-season, we’re setting standards higher than we had last year and I think that’s warranted given the result that we had last year.

“We’re looking to improve on that and I, as well as Wello, the other staff and the playing group, believe that comes on the back of really strong foundations built during the pre-season.”

St Helens star touts attack to be much-improved

Whilst there have been just three signings made by St Helens, there has been a coaching overhaul with ex-Bradford Bulls boss Eamon O’Carroll and former Brisbane Broncos’ assistant Lee Briers arriving at the club.

That duo have made a major difference according to Mbye with the former NRL star confirming that there has been huge buy-in following O’Carroll’s appointment in early November.

“He’s been fantastic,” Mbyed said.

“Obviously, it’s nice to have a fresh face around the club, a new set of eyes and new opinions and philosophies on how the game should be played and defended.

“I think the boys have really bought into that and they’ve enjoyed the message that he’s got across. He brings a good attitude and that’s important at this time of year when you get a few people dragging their lips when they’re tired or under the pump.

“He’s been really good for the vibe around the club which is really important.”

Prior to O’Carrol joining Saints had already confirmed that Lee Briers would join after spending two seasons with Brisbane Broncos, the first of which saw him transform the club’s attack and was referenced by Mbye in his glowing assessment.

The hooker explained: “He’s got a handy resume. You can see the mark he had on the Broncos in that first year and I think that’s going to be our biggest improvement to be honest – our attack.

“There’s a reason why Lee was brought on board. I think our attack probably lacked a bit of flair and excitement that we and our fans want to see. He’s here to implement that side of the game and so far so good.”

Briers will have former Brisbane player Tristan Sailor as one of the players at his disposal with the speedster handed the number six this season.