St Helens legend explains what makes this Saints side so successful ahead of Grand Final against clash with Leeds Rhinos

If any assistant coach in Super League knows what it takes to win a Grand Final, it’s Paul Wellens.

One of the few to win a Lance Todd Trophy, a Harry Sunderland Award and the Man of Steel, Wellens was a serial winner at Old Trafford at St Helens and unbeaten until defeat against Leeds in 2007.

He is now part of another successful side as assistant coach at St Helens as they go in search of a record breaking fourth consecutive Super League title, a record ninth Grand Final win, a record 10th Super League title in a record 14th Grand Final appearance.

Undoubtedly one of Super League’s greatest ever sides, with Jack Welsby telling Rugby League Live that in his opinion a win on Saturday would make the Saints “the best team in history.” But what is it that makes this Saints side so good?

Well Paul Wellens explained on Sky Sports today what he thinks makes this St Helens side so successful: “The recent success, when I look at the players we have here, we have players with great ability, who play the game at a real high level but what they have in ability they match with work ethic. That’s the important thing, there’s a real desire to be successful and a real willingness to work hard for each other.

“We have a group that’s really connected and a willingness to work hard for each other, when you combine those elements it makes for a successful team.”

Paul Wellens says the secret to St. Helens' success is down to more than ability, but what they match in work ethic. 💪

"When you combine all those ingredients, it makes for a successful team." pic.twitter.com/5IOzpvnFpN

— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) September 21, 2022

At the time of the interview, it was believed Morgan Knowles would not play in the decider after a two-match ban for twisting Chris Atkin’s arm, however that ban has now been overturned.

Given what Wellens said earlier, he’ll be very happy to have Knowles playing: “First and foremost we are really disappointed for him. On showpiece occasions, you want your best players playing and Morgan is one of those.”

👀 Doing it without Morgan Knowles on Saturday, Wellens says it is a huge gap to fill but the club are capable of doing so. pic.twitter.com/haZ9gAQPwr

— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) September 21, 2022