There are few places where the pressure to perform in rugby league is as intense as in St Helens. As the most decorated club in Super League history, the standards are sky-high, and any faltering form is met with criticism that is swift and uncompromising.
No one feels that more acutely than Paul Wellens. A club legend turned head coach, Wellens has faced growing scrutiny after a shaky playoff finish last season and another underwhelming start to the current campaign. The murmurings about his future have already begun, with speculation surrounding possible successors.
While beating a depleted and out-of-sorts Catalans Dragons may not signal a dramatic turnaround, the emphatic 40-0 victory could be the spark needed to reignite St Helens’ campaign. Anything less than a win would have been disastrous; what mattered more was the way it was achieved.
This is a squad in transition. The likes of Alex Walmsley and Jonny Lomax, central figures in the four successive Grand Final triumphs from 2019 to 2022, are nearing the twilight of their careers. But for one evening, it felt like a return to those golden days, as St Helens ruthlessly exploited every weakness in the Catalans lineup.
Perhaps the biggest positive of the night was the emergence of a new star. Teenage half-back George Whitby produced a performance brimming with class, composure, and confidence beyond his years. Not only did he score a hat-trick, but his overall play brought structure and spark to a St Helens side that has struggled to find a consistent attacking spine.
Whitby opened and closed the scoring in the first half, with Deon Cross and Alex Walmsley also crossing the line in a dominant showing. By half-time, Saints led 24-0 and could have had more, with several chances slipping through their fingers. Still, the result was already beyond doubt as they headed into the break.
The Catalans Dragons, hampered by injuries and a crisis of form, offered little resistance. With the possibility of dropping to ninth in the table, questions will inevitably grow louder about Steve McNamara’s future. This marked the first time they had conceded 40 or more points since 2022, underlining just how far they have slipped.
St Helens, on the other hand, looked revitalised. Tristan Sailor, a high-profile signing who has struggled to make his mark since arriving from Brisbane, showed signs of settling in. Playing on the wing, he provided the break that led to Whitby’s first try and scored one of his own early in the second half.
Lewis Murphy then added a spectacular finish to extend the lead to 34-0, and the final flourish fittingly came from Whitby once again. Latching onto a superb offload from Walmsley, he completed his hat-trick under the posts, capping a memorable evening both personally and for the team.
It’s important not to heap too much pressure on Whitby so early in his career, but there’s no doubt he’s already made a significant impact. If St Helens are to claw their way back into the title race, their latest breakout talent could well play a pivotal role
