St Helens Head Coach Paul Wellens has named his first squad for 2024 ahead of the Saints’ first Pre-Season Friendly against Swinton Lions on Saturday (20th January), which kicks off at the Totally Wicked Stadium at 2 pm.
The Red V take on dual-registration partners Swinton in their first taste of match action this year and Wellens has named a youthful 23-man squad for the fixture.
Nine of the 2024 First Team are included with the headline inclusions being; Konrad Hurrell, Jon Benison, Ben Davies, Sam Royle and McKenzie Buckley.
Three of our Academy graduates who joined the senior squad for 2024 are also included; Dayon Sambou, Noah Stephens and Jonny Vaughan. Hooker Jake Burns progressed up from our Reserves side and into the First Team and is also named in Wellens’ side for Saturday afternoon.
Eight members of our Reserves outfit will be keen to step up in their first runs out in preparation for the new season, as will six players from the Saints Academy who will be eager to get some valuable experience.
14 of the 23 players selected by Paul Wellens were part of our Academy Grand Final winning squad in late September 202
Big Konrad Hurrell decision made
England v Tonga Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 22/10/2023 – Rugby League – International Test Series – England v Tonga – The Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, England – Tonga s Konrad Hurrell St Helens The Totally Wicked Stadium England Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2334-0037
The squad is certainly on the younger side of things which makes it a real surprise seeing Hurrell named in the squad which hints at his role in 2024 likely to be firmly behind Waqa Blake and Mark Percival at centre.
He signed a new deal last year with Paul Wellens seeing him as a key member of the squad and his power is a great curveball for the club to throw at their rivals.
Interestingly, Jon Bennison has also been named in the squad suggesting that he is perhaps second choice behind Tee Ritson as the season starts. Here’s how the Saints could line up in 2024.
Like Hurrell, Bennison featured for the Saints in the 2022 Grand Final.
How to buy St Helens tickets
The quickest and easiest method of securing your spot at the Totally Wicked Stadium is by purchasing your ticket online by visiting eticketing.co.uk/saintsrlfc. You can secure a digital or ‘Print at Home’ ticket which would not require you to visit the Ticket Office.
Only the South Stand will be open for supporters for this fixture, with all seating to be allocated. Entry on game day for supporters will therefore only be on the South Stand (South East & South West corner turnstiles).
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