St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus has paid tribute to Matty Lees as the forward prepares for the new Super League season.
Lees has been granted a testimonial year and Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Castleford Tigers will be played in his honour. The clash will give Saints supporters the opportunity to show their appreciation and celebrate the England international, but it will also provide them with a first glimpse of what Paul Rowley’s St Helens side will look like.
The Merseyside outfit have been busy in terms of recruitment over the off-season and a number of new signings will get a run out at the newly named BrewDog Stadium.
While there have been changes, Lees remains a constant in the red vee. The 27-year-old is six appearances short of his 200th for the club and as he readies himself for what will be his 10th season in the Saints’ first-team picture, he’ll be looking to add to a trophy haul that includes three Grand Final wins, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge.
He’ll do so as club captain, too, after being selected to take up the mantle and succeed Jonny Lomax.
As such, ahead of his big day, McManus has paid tribute to the man who will be leading out St Helens in 2026.
“No one has been more committed to the cause of St Helens over the last decade than Matty Lees,” McManus wrote.
“His bravery and commitment on the field of play during a period which included four consecutive Grand Final wins, a Challenge Cup, and a World Club Challenge win on Australian soil, has been there for all to witness.
“A testimonial match is an opportunity for fans to show their personal appreciation for a player who has not only shown great loyalty to the club, but has also gone above and beyond in his dedication to the success of the club.
“On Saturday, let’s all show him the support that he richly deserves.”
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Anonymous
January 23, 2026 at 2:45 am
I’m a saints fan and I’ll be at the game Saturday to show my appreciation for what matty has done for our team.
But for mcmanus to say nobody has been more committed to saints than Matty in the last decade is a bit worrying to say the least.
That rights off Tommy Mak (who we shouldnt have let go), Lomax, Percy, Roby, Wammer, Knowles (who’s testimonial was only 12 months ago) aswell as many others