St Helens confirm exit of homegrown forward

St Helens have confirmed that homegrown talent Sam Royle will leave the club at the end of the season.

Royle’s contract was up and the club have now confirmed he will depart at the end of the year with the 24-year-old set for the exit door.

Whilst Royle has only played six times for Paul Wellens’ side this year, he has recently captained the club’s Reserve side to both a Reserves Championship and Grand Final win.

In fact, Royle is actually one of a small club to have captained St Helens at Scholarship, Academy, Reserves and First Team level with his first-team bow as skipper coming in 2022 when the Red Vee put out a young side on the road against Castleford.

Royle had debuted the season before, appearing against Salford in September of 2021 and to date, he has made 28 appearances for the club.

He will be one of several St Helens players to receive a send-off from the club’s fans on Friday night when they host Castleford Tigers in their final home game of the season.

St Helens confirm exit of Reserves skipper

St Helens confirmed the news of Royle’s departure with a statement released on the club website last night, shortly after the news of Matty Lees’ overturned suspension.

The statement read: “St Helens R.F.C. can confirm that Sam Royle will be leaving the Club upon expiry of his contract at the end of the 2024 rugby league season.

A proud graduate of the Saints Academy, Royle is beloved by his teammates, coaches and staff, and he will be wished well for his next chapter come the end of our Super League 2024 campaign.”

Speaking about his exit, Royle said: “I think everyone knows being part of this Club has meant a lot to me. From going to Knowsley Road as a kid watching, to being part of this team and playing with people that have been your heroes since being a kid, it’s been amazing. But it’s time for a new chapter.

“Getting the Reserves title was fantastic, but we can still get to Old Trafford and I’m going to be here for the next few weeks and will give it my everything. If that opportunity comes up for me, hopefully we go all the way, I’ll be ready to play my part.”

Paul Wellens added: “I know I speak for everyone involved in the First Team environment when I say that Sam is someone we can rely on and helps set our standards. Not only when he plays on the field, but in everything we as a team do, and he does his job so well.

“We wish Sam the very best of luck in his next chapter, and thank him for his efforts for our Club.”