These are intriguing times for the most accomplished club in Super League. St Helens have consistently made headlines since rugby league transitioned to a summer format in 1996, but recently, they have ventured into unfamiliar territory.
From 2019 to 2022, they were virtually untouchable. Even last season, when their remarkable streak of four consecutive Grand Finals came to an end, they traveled to Australia and emerged as world champions. It raised the question of when, if ever, a club renowned for producing elite junior talent would face any significant difficulties again.
However, in sports, cycles are inevitable, with dominant eras often giving way to transitional phases. The astonishing feat of winning four league titles in a row—a record that seems unlikely to be matched—has now transitioned into a series of undesirable records that puts Saints at risk of missing out on the playoffs.
Such an outcome would be unprecedented: throughout every Super League season, Saints have always qualified. They were aware that facing their sixth consecutive league defeat, a feat not seen since 1979, could leave them tied with teams outside the top six by the end of the weekend. However, an impressive 46-6 victory saved them from that fate.
Their prior losing streak marked a Super League record for Saints and highlighted the transition period currently underway. The legendary hooker, James Roby—the heartbeat of their championship-winning team—has retired, and several key players are nearing retirement age.
Injuries to England stars Jack Welsby, Tommy Makinson, and Alex Walmsley have hindered their performance this season, but this result provided a much-needed boost for a team experiencing challenges. Whether this victory serves as a springboard towards another Grand Final remains uncertain, but it certainly offers them some breathing room in the top six.
The nature of this victory, a dominant eight-try performance against a struggling Hull FC side, should have been gratifying for St Helens coach, Paul Wellens. With his contract expiring later this year, he remains focused on plans for 2025, though the prolonged silence from the club leaves a cloud of uncertainty.
The more significant challenges are likely still on the horizon, with long-standing players like Makinson and Lewis Dodd set to leave for new opportunities. Nevertheless, Saints have a strong track record of nurturing the next generation of stars, and their upcoming squad could include some talent that shone in this match.
In Welsby’s absence, young full-back Harry Robertson has flourished, and rookie hooker Jake Burns, who was brought in from the amateur ranks, scored twice here and appears poised for a promising future. They were clearly superior against Hull, but tougher tests await.
