Ex-Wigan Warriors man’s return to St Helens prompts coaching shake up

St Helens have been a team in transition in terms of coaching lately with Paul Wellens taking over first team head coaching duties and the news this week that Matty Smith will lead the women’s side.

As a result of this the club have now announced that Dek Hardman will lead the reserves for the upcoming 2023 campaign.

Saints announced the news via tweet and received positive responses.

Following the announcement of Matty Smith becoming the head coach of our @saints1890women, Dek Hardman will head up our reserves side for 2023 🙌🙌#COYS pic.twitter.com/Wi4KuQ5wnH

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) December 7, 2022

Hardman had led the women’s side last season and took them to an impressive second placed finish behind York and also won the Challenge Cup.

Saints will be pleased that they’re able to maintain stability and their own coaching practices, albeit transitioning from the women’s game, in their reserve team as it’s served them incredibly well over the seasons.

Excellent appointment IMO! Good luck, Dek

— Kev Cunningham 💙 (@KevCunningham1) December 7, 2022

Much of the Red Vee’s success in the past four years, securing consecutive Grand Final victories, has been on account of the depth of talent they bring through the ranks.

Whilst this is an appointment from within their system it still leaves some uncertainty around the club this season with the men’s, women’s and now reserves all having new coaching and leadership.

The club bled through multiple academy players last year, four of whom were granted squad numbers when announced in October.

George Delaney, Daniel Moss, Ben Lane and McKenzie Buckley will wear numbers 30, 31, 32 and 33 respectively.