St Helens youngster George Whitby may have only been making his second Super League appearance but he looked as experienced as any other player on the pitch.
He was a catalyst in attack during St Helens’ 26-14 victory over Wakefield on Friday night, earning him Sky Sports’ Player of the Match award.
Whitby has had to wait some time to get a chance in the Saints side but with Jonny Lomax’s ankle issue, he grabbed it with both hands and guided his side with his kicking game around the park.
The St Helens youngster spoke to Sky Sports after the game and said: “It was unbelievable, I’ve been working really hard for this opportunity in the pre-season, my first full-time.l
“I’ve been learning from all the top players in our squad, (Jack) Welsby and (Jonny) Lomax, they’ve been really helpful. Thankfully, I feel like I’ve put in a really good performance so I’m made up.”
Whitby was quick to credit Saints assistant coach Lee Briers for working with him on his kicking game.
He added: “Briersy really helped me out during the week with that, he’s just given me that confidence in the kicking game, saying I’m the dominant kicker.
“Thankfully, I stuck to the game plan and was really consistent with it. I felt like we put Wakefield under a lot of pressure so I was really happy with executing the game plan.”
Whilst there’s a strong chance that Lomax will return to the side next week for the Good Friday derby against Wigan Warriors, Whitby is content to play whenever he’s called upon.
The St Helens youngster finished: “I take it week by week, all my focus was on this game.
“If that opportunity comes then I’ll be really happy to take it but we’ve got top players in this squad.
“I’m sure we’ll all be up for a Good Friday derby. It’s a really exciting week ahead.”
St.Helens claim the two points over Wakefield Trinity at the Totally Wicked Stadium 💥 pic.twitter.com/pC2IiFO54I
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) April 11, 2025
