St Helens stars explain what makes Kristian Woolf so good and what the next coach must take from these comments

The Saints have been remarkable at maintaining success not just over the last four years under two different coaches but in Super League history.

They’re the only side to never miss out on the play-offs and have never finished lower than fifth.

But the Saints are a side who pursue excellence in everything which is is why winning the title a record four years in a row is the ultimate achievement for them but is also why they won’t stop at four.

It’s widely expected that Saints will turn to former star player and assistant coach Paul Wellens in 2023 to fill the void left by departing coach Kristian Woolf who became the first coach to win three consecutive Grand Finals on Saturday.

Woolf himself had big shoes to fill when he arrived in 2020 taking over from Justin Holbrook who had revitalised the club who had won one Super League in 11 years before his arrival.

However he maintained the Saints’ excellence over the last three years and now it’s onto the next coach to do the same.

But how do you go about doing so? Well whoever takes the reigns should look at what both Saints skipper James Roby and star player Jonny Lomax had to say about what Woolf has brought to the club.

Roby spoke about how Woolf took the Champions to another level, something whoever his successor is, must try to emulate no matter how difficult it would be to find another level.

The Saints skipper also believed that the Grand Final win was the “fitting” end for Woolf at the Totally Wicked Stadium: “I think it’s fitting, he’s come in and the success speaks for itself. He’s taken us to another level. It was only fitting that we try and sent him out in the best possible fashion. It’s sad to see him go but he goes with our best wishes.”

As for Lomax, he spoke about how Woolf’s principles have been the key to success for Saints as well as the togetherness of the squad he has developed:

“His principles as a person ties in with ourselves, hard work and honesty and togetherness. He’s made us tougher as a team. He’s made us compete harder and keeping showing up for your mate.”

Again this will be a must from any new coach at the Totally Wicked Stadium.