St Helens is looking for a thrilling new era under Paul Rowley, but can he truly reignite their championship fire?
Imagine a coach who could easily step into the shoes of James Bond – with his distinguished grey hair, sharp suits, and a physique that whispers of past glories, St Helens' new head coach, Paul Rowley, certainly has the presence. At 50, he's not heading for Hollywood just yet; instead, he's embarking on a mission of his own, tasked with lifting St Helens out of the shadow of their past successes and re-igniting their 'license to thrill' on the rugby league field.
This is a coach with a proven track record of transforming teams. Before taking on the immense challenge at St Helens, Rowley made waves by guiding Leigh into the Super League and played a crucial role in the early development of the Toronto Wolfpack. He then turned the unfashionable Salford Red Devils into a dynamic, attacking force that consistently challenged the top four. Now, he's stepping into his biggest role yet, aiming to bring that same flair and excitement to one of rugby league's most storied clubs.
"I believe the key difference between teams that seize opportunities and those that don't boils down to confidence and the courage to back yourselves," Rowley shared with BBC Sport. "It's not about a lack of skill or ability; it's about that inner belief and having the freedom to play. Essentially, the players already possess that license."
Building on Solid Ground After Salford's Turmoil
Rowley admits he's more of a 'cup of tea and biscuit' kind of person than a martini-sipping, shaken-not-stirred type. While he naturally prefers a quieter life with his family, he's already experienced the intense spotlight of rugby league in St Helens and genuinely enjoys connecting with the passionate fans for whom matchday is the pinnacle of their week. His arrival at Saints has been met with widespread approval, a popular choice for supporters who crave that distinctive brand of attacking rugby.
Furthermore, the former England international is relishing the opportunity to work with elite talent like Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, and Tristan Sailor. This move also offers a welcome sense of stability after the turbulent events at Salford in 2025. The Red Devils were caught in a takeover saga that disrupted their entire season, leading to player departures and ultimately, liquidation. This chaos unfolded despite Rowley's impressive work in leading them to back-to-back top-six finishes, including a fourth-place finish in 2024.
"We never had the vast resources or infrastructure of a bigger club at Salford, but that's what made it so enjoyable," Rowley reflected. "However, it’s the character of the people that truly matters. When you combine that same work ethic with the resources of a major club and an environment geared for success, you can achieve great things."
"Every club has its characters, its group of players and staff who are driven to win and work hard. We come from northern towns, it's ingrained in the people, and we're no different. The real difference between clubs lies in the magnitude of expectations and the level of local interest. St Helens hasn't always had another major sporting team to share with its population, making the rugby club the town's primary focus. You can truly feel that connection, it's palpable. It's wonderful that the community is so invested in our success. I truly appreciate how aligned the people of St Helens are with the club."
Jackson Hastings' Return: A Nod to Rowley's Influence
In their quest to reclaim the title, St Helens has made some significant signings for 2026. Powerhouse forwards like David Klemmer and Jacob Host are set to bolster the pack, while Nene Macdonald adds potent attacking threat out wide. The return of former Man of Steel, Jackson Hastings, has injected a crucial dose of control and creativity into the squad. This reunion sees Rowley working with a player he previously coached at Salford, a genuine playmaker who thrives on orchestrating the game.
Hastings, who was born in Australia, has showcased some of his finest rugby league performances in the Northern Hemisphere. He considers England his second home, a place where he can achieve the right mental headspace. His new coach is a significant factor in fostering this positive mindset.
"He never gets overly excited when we achieve something good, nor does he become overly frustrated when things aren't going our way," Hastings told BBC Radio 5 live. "Having that mental resilience as a coach, to remain even-keeled throughout a game or during fluctuating training sessions, is something he's always excelled at. Everyone talks about his teams and their attacking style, but I think his personal demeanor is remarkably balanced, and that's something I truly value. For someone like myself, who can experience emotional ups and downs, having a coach who is so consistently calm has been incredibly beneficial."
Hastings himself has experienced the sting of defeat against St Helens, having had to applaud them as they overcame his Salford and Wigan teams in consecutive Grand Final losses in 2019 and 2020. Now, he finds himself alongside long-standing Saints legends like Welsby, Jonny Lomax, and Walmsley daily – players who were at the heart of those significant disappointments.
"You can clearly see the reasons behind their sustained success; they train with immense dedication, they are highly disciplined, and they consistently execute the small details that transform an individual into a great player, a good person, and ultimately, a championship-winning team," Hastings explained. "They consistently do what's required to be successful, and that's been fantastic. We are actively working to establish a new culture, and everyone has fully embraced it."
St Helens: A 'Mega Job' with Immense Expectations
Even the status of a 'club legend' wasn't enough to shield Paul Wellens, Rowley's predecessor, from being dismissed after last season. This occurred despite reaching the play-off semi-finals and securing the World Club Challenge in his inaugural season. The pressure, therefore, is immense, but that's precisely what's expected at a club of St Helens' stature.
"It certainly feels like a 'mega job'," Rowley admitted. "But, to be honest, when I was coaching at Leigh, Toronto, or Salford, I never actively sought another position. My focus was always on winning with whoever I was representing, viewing every club as a significant entity. It was a matter of defiance. However, I can't ignore the fact that this is a major club, as history unequivocally demonstrates. I'm fully aware of that, I acknowledge it, I embrace it, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be in this coaching role."
Never too elated, never too dejected – Rowley's balanced approach might be precisely what St Helens needs to rediscover their winning ways.
"We're going to take risks this year, no doubt about it, and we'll keep taking them until they pay off," Hastings added. "It's about maintaining composure amidst the pressure while also believing in our capabilities. For us, it's not a gamble because we've meticulously practiced it countless times. Whether it ultimately succeeds or not is one thing, but we've dedicated the entire pre-season to honing it, and we have a leader at the helm who believes in it and believes in us. Now, it's up to us as players to internalize that belief and execute it on game day."
What are your thoughts on Paul Rowley's philosophy? Do you believe his 'license to thrill' approach is the right fit for St Helens, or should they prioritize a more conservative style? Share your opinions in the comments below!
