St Helens stalwart rewarded with testimonial for 2023 season

Mark Percival has been awarded a testimonial for the upcoming season as the 28-year-old marks a decade in the Red Vee of St Helens.

Percival will reach his 200th game for Saints this season, currently standing on 199 appearances and an impressive 107 tries.

The powerful centre spoke to the Saints social team in a video shared via Twitter about his achievements and the honour and pride of being granted a testimonial match.

“St Helens has been my life ever since I joined the Academy when I was 14 years of age,” Percival explained.

Our very own @MarkPercival22 has been awarded a testimonial for the 2023 season to celebrate his 10 years playing for the club 👏

Follow his facebook page for all the details and more updates below 👇https://t.co/0QDZeYijG6

You can read more below here ⤵

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) December 1, 2022

“The past nine years as a first team player have been a rollercoaster of a ride and it doesn’t get much better than winning four Grand Finals in a row and a Challenge Cup the year before.

“I’ve loved it. I’ve always watched St Helens as a kid growing up. I used to love watching, they used to tear teams apart really and I just loved the way they played.”

Percival spoke about the players that inspired him watching Saints growing up and having racked up such a prestigious career himself he’s sure to have also inspired plenty.

“It’s mad making your debut, you always have that bit of doubt. When I was watching (as a kid) there was the likes of Matt Gidley and Jamie Lyon and that playing and I’ve always wanted to be like them, being quality players for St Helens and keep improving.”

At just 28, Percival could be set for at least another five years playing at the highest level but for now he’s scheduled to stay at the club until 2024 having penned a deal previously.

For more information on his upcoming testimonial year you can visit here.