St Helens’ strongest XIII after signing NRL trio and Konrad Hurrell decision

St Helens have made just three signings for the upcoming season but they could have a major impact on their strongest XIII.

It’s another light recruitment window for St Helens who have signed just a handful of players in recent off-seasons with a recent recruit already out of the door in the shape Waqa Blake.

The Red Vee have relied upon their incredible academy to plug holes when needed and that was highlighted last year with the breakout season for Harry Robertson, whilst others such as Noah Stephens and Jonny Vaughan had bigger roles than many anticipated.

Whilst those young talents are certain to have a big future, they don’t crack St Helens strongest XIII which we’ve now analysed ahead of the upcoming season. The bookmakers certainly like it with Saints made joint-second favourites to lift the Grand Final in 2025, ahead of Hull KR.

Furthermore, confirmation of shirt numbers by the club gives us a strong idea of the best team, although we’ve not selected every player with a shirt number of one through thirteen.

St Helens strongest XIII after signing NRL trio

Full-back: Jack Welsby

An obvious choice, particularly once the squad numbers were revealed with NRL recruit Tristan Sailor seeing his shirt number unveiled before anyone else. Confirmation that Sailor would not wear the number one shirt said all we needed to know about Jack Welsby’s status in this team. He will be backed up by young Harry Robertson.

Wingers: Kyle Feldt and Lewis Murphy

It’s all change on the wing with NRL duo Feldt and Murphy coming in, despite Jon Bennison retaining the number five shirt. Shirt numbers aren’t fixed roles in a squad and if Murphy can replicate the sort of things we saw in a Wakefield shirt then he will be staking a strong claim for a start. As for Kyle Feldt, St Helens have simply swapped a Red Vee legend for an NRL one and his class should dent the blow of losing Tommy Makinson.

Centres: Konrad Hurrell and Mark Percival

This was, and potentially still is, a point of contention with Hurrell’s contract status up in the air until recently. He has since re-signed and been handed the number three but he’s well aware that there are others pushing him for a start, Ben Davies and Jonny Vaughan being among those. Mark Percival is viewed as a lock in the left centre role.

Half-backs: Tristan Sailor and Jonny Lomax

St Helens announced Sailor’s shirt number before anyone else, handing their NRL recruit the number six which cleared up talk of him laying at full-back but also signifies a shift for Jonny Lomax. The club captain will now play in the seven shirt whilst Sailor will play at stand-off.

Hooker: Daryl Clark

Despite his former teammate Danny Walker being named to the Dream Team in 2024, Clark justified his selection in Shaun Wane’s team with a stellar series against Samoa. St Helens’ spine was ruined with injuries in 2024 but if they can remain consistent and have this man directing play then they won’t go far wrong. Behind him, Moses Mbye is arguably the best back-up/utility in Super League.

Props: George Delaney and Matty Lees

Perhaps controversial but we’ve opted with young George Delaney to start alongside England star Matty Lees meaning that veteran Alex Walmsley sits on the bench. Injuries have played havoc with Walmsley, who turns 35 in April,  as he missed around four months during the middle of the season. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Delaney saw his workload grow with only Lees playing more than him in Super League in 2024. Of course, Walmsley would still retain plenty of punch off the bench but 2025 could signify the changing of the guard at prop.

Second Row: Curtis Sironen and Joe Batchelor

If there is one position that St Helens have plenty of talent at then it’s second row with the likes of James Bell, Matt Whitley, Agnatius Paasi just a few of those who can play this role. As it is, we’ve gone with those handed shirt numbers 11 and 12 based on consistency and true position. James Bell is incredibly consistent but perhaps better at loose forward, whilst Whitley and Paasi had disrupted 2024 seasons.

Loose Forward: Morgan Knowles

The long-serving loose forward is a no-brainer here. He’ll have his testimonial match in the pre-season before launching into his 11th season donning the Red Vee.

Bench: Moses Mbye, James Bell, Alex Walmsley, Agnatius Paasi

Saints won’t be short of options on the bench as the depth of their squad is truly impressive but these four could be the likely candidates.

Pre-Season snowy days ❄️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/TJGU1J6T7e

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) November 20, 2024